Anchorage, Alaska -U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that yesterday a federal jury in Anchorage convicted Steven Bachmeier of Kenai of one count of mailing a threatening communication. The victim was a Superior Court Judge for the State of Alaska. In a 2017 court filing, Mr. Bachmeier threatened to kill the Judge’s family.
Within three hours of deliberation, the jury found Bachmeier guilty of mailing a threatening communication, following a three-day trial before U.S. District Court Judge Sharon Gleason. As a result of his conviction, Bachmeier faces a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison, and a fine of up to $250,000. The sentencing hearing has been set for April 2, 2019.
According to the evidence presented at trial, during a 2010 hearing the Judge denied Bachmeier’s request to withdraw a guilty plea in a felony criminal case. In response, Bachmeier became angry and threatened to “carve the flesh" from the Judge’s children. Subsequently, the Judge was assigned to a new case involving Bachmeier in 2017. In response, Bachmeier mailed in a pleading in the case in which he wrote that “I have told her in past I’m going to kill her family, which I still [entend] to do." (sic)
“All Alaskans, including public servants, deserve to be safe in their lives and at work, without fear from death threats," said U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder. “This case illustrates that it is unacceptable to threaten public servants and their families. We will prosecute those who seek to manipulate others, and the justice system, by making threats."
Mr. Schroder commends the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for the investigation of this case. Also, the Alaska State Troopers, Division of Judicial Services. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anne Veldhuis and Aunnie Steward.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
