Stephen M. Cilurso, 73, of Aldan, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on Aug. 5 before United States District Judge Gail A. Weilheimer to one count of stalking by use of the mail and one count of witness tampering.
According to court filings and admissions by Cilurso, between May 31, 2019, and March 21, 2026, in Delaware County and Philadelphia County, he mailed several letters containing threats and homophobic slurs to Victim 1. After being confronted by law enforcement on March 3, 2026, Cilurso admitted sending such letters. He then sent four additional letters to Victim 1 using his real name and repeatedly told Victim 1 to discontinue involvement in the criminal investigation.
On March 17, 2026, law enforcement instructed Cilurso not to contact Victim 1 again. Despite this directive, he sent two more letters. In one letter he wrote: “I will not go back to jail.” He also threatened suicide with statements such as “drop the charges against me” and “let me live.” In another letter he stated: “I do not ever want to go back to prison … don’t let the FBI put me back there.”
Cilurso was charged last month after his arrest on a criminal complaint and warrant in March. With his plea entered today, he has waived prosecution by indictment.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 17; Cilurso faces a maximum possible term of eight years in prison.
The case was investigated by the FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Philadelphia Police Department; Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Morgan is prosecuting.