Harmeet K. Dhillon, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division, U.S. Department of Justice | Official Website
Mark Tucci, a 44-year-old resident of Philadelphia, has been sentenced to 33 months in prison for making violent threats and committing civil rights violations. U.S. District Judge Gerald A. McHugh handed down the sentence, which also includes two years of supervised release and restitution of $16,529.44.
Tucci pleaded guilty on August 21 to two counts of interfering with federally protected activities, one count of cyberstalking, and one count of interstate communication of threats. The charges stem from repeated racist threats made through phone calls, emails, text messages, and in-person encounters targeting African-American individuals.
According to court documents, between April 18 and June 2, 2024, Tucci sent multiple emails to an employee (referred to as Victim 1) at a city agency in Philadelphia regarding a records request. On June 3, he escalated his actions by calling the agency repeatedly. During these calls with Victim 1 and their colleagues, Tucci used racial slurs and threatened violence against them. He also sent threatening emails and texts mentioning Victim 1 by name and referencing their home address.
Tucci’s communications caused significant emotional distress for Victim 1 and led them to fear for their safety and that of their family members.
Additionally, court filings describe another incident on February 1, when Tucci approached another vehicle on I-95 southbound in heavy traffic. He shouted racial slurs at the driver (Victim 2), who is African-American, threatened to kill them, then threw a coffee mug at the victim’s car after making it appear he might be reaching for a weapon.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division commented: “Today’s sentence sends a clear message: hate-based violence has no place in America.” Dhillon added that the Civil Rights Division remains committed to ensuring all Americans feel safe in their communities.
U.S. Attorney David Metcalf for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania stated: “Every citizen is entitled to a peace and security undisturbed by the abhorrent and racist threats that took place in this case, full stop.” Metcalf continued: “No citizen has the right to inflict, and no citizen has the duty to endure, the verbal harassment and racist attacks that the defendant committed in our District.”
Special Agent in Charge Wayne A. Jacobs of the FBI Philadelphia Field Office said: “Today's sentencing reinforces our commitment to protecting every individual's civil rights and ensuring that those who intimidate, harass or threaten our citizens are brought to justice.” Jacobs noted ongoing collaboration among federal agencies such as the FBI as well as local partners like the Philadelphia Police Department and Pennsylvania State Police.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI along with state police agencies; prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Jeanette Kang and Michelle L. Morgan from the Eastern District of Pennsylvania alongside Trial Attorney Samuel Kuhn from the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.
