Man accused of calling and threatening Gov. Ron DeSantis is serving as his own lawyer

A Chinese national locked up at the county jail since last year on fraud charges has been indicted by the federal government. And a man accused of repeatedly calling the governor's residence, making threats and demanding money, had his day in court. Here's what we know:

State v. Lashhorn Thunderrot

Judge: Circuit Judge Peter Brigham.

Lawyers: Assistant State Attorney Janine Nixon. Thunderrot acted as his own attorney.

Why was Thunderrot in court? He filed two motions with the court. In one he sought any documents about his case, and in the second he asked the judge to dismiss the charges.

When and why Thunderrot was arrested? Thunderrot, 55, is accused of calling Gov. Ron DeSantis' residence, threatening him, complaining about his policies, calling him names and demanding $10,000 in cash. Law enforcement officials said from December 2022 to June 2023, Thunderrot called 18 times asking to speak to the governor. In total, officials said, Thunderrot made 21 phone calls.

Probable cause was established to arrest Thunderrot in July 2023. Thunderrot, who also goes by the name Charles Ashby Foreman, was arrested in July 2023. He was released in January after posting a $5,000 bond.

What happened in court? On April 11, Thunderrot, who remained standing during his hearing, rambled to the court about his various problems. He believes the State Attorney's Office and others are conspiring against him. He told the court he's a good man, worked all his life, and is the voice of reason. He strongly thinks he's being attacked, and denies threatening the government.

How did the judge rule? The judge told Thunderrot the state has a duty to turn over whatever information it has concerning his case. He also told Thunderrot he's not dismissing the case.

What's next? A trial priority is scheduled for July.

U.S. v. Donghui Liao

Federal authorities said on April 9 that they have secured an indictment against Donghui Liao, a Chinese national. He is charged with possession of 15 or more counterfeit or unauthorized access devices.

If convicted, what kind of prison sentence could he face? 10 years.

Which agencies investigated Liao? The Ocala Police Department and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Why was Liao indicted? Authorities said the 32-year-old man was taken into custody by Ocala police in 2023 and accused of switching numerous gift cards and replacing them with fake cards at Target. The case started in state court. Now it has been picked up by federal prosecutors. The state case will not proceed.

Who's prosecuting the case for the U.S. government? Assistant United States Attorney Janette Swartzberg.

Where's Liao now? At the county jail, where he is being held without bail. In February, Liao's lawyer had asked for bail, but the request was denied by a local circuit judge.

Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com

This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Ocala man accused of threatening Gov. Ron DeSantis