A Lynn resident has admitted guilt in a Boston federal court to charges of threatening an elected official. Justin David Gaglio, 51, pleaded guilty to one count of transmitting interstate threats. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani has set the sentencing date for September 9, 2025. The charges were initially brought against Gaglio in October 2024.
Starting around January 2023, Gaglio began contacting the elected official through online submissions on the official's website. Over the period from January 2023 to September 2024, he sent more than 80 messages via the website, at times dispatching multiple messages within minutes.
On approximately September 8, 2024, Gaglio sent a message threatening to violently murder both the elected official and their family.
The charge of transmitting interstate threats can result in a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine up to $250,000. Sentencing is determined by a federal district court judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes relevant to criminal cases.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division, announced the plea today. The United States Capitol Police, Massachusetts State Police, and police departments from Lynn and Salem provided significant assistance in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alathea E. Porter from the Criminal Division is handling prosecution duties.
