Westland man to be sentenced for threatening Gov. Whitmer
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WESTLAND — A Westland man will be sentenced this summer for sending threats to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
Jason Tolonen, 51, pleaded no contest on May 10 to one count of using a computer to commit a crime and one count of malicious use of a telecommunications service, according to online court records.
He's scheduled to be sentenced Wednesday, June 12, at the 18th District Court in Westland.
Nessel's office said in a release Tolonen sent emails to the governor's constituent portal for years that were "nonsensical, harassing, racist and threatening."
Michigan State Police executed a search warrant at Tolonen’s home in November after a threat to “assassinate the president or your governor.” Nessel's office said Tolonen admitted to sending the messages.
There was a pause of several months until Tolonen resumed sending his emails in February.
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"Elected officials deserve to serve Michiganders free of fear, and violent threats directed at public servants cannot be normalized,” Nessel said in a statement. "I commend Michigan State Police for taking these threats seriously, and my department remains committed to prosecuting these disturbing offenses."
As part of his sentencing, Tolonen is expected to be required to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and refrain from unwanted contact with any people, businesses or government entities. He will likely also be required to undergo regular mental health and substance abuse evaluations.
Contact reporter Shelby Tankersley at stankersle@hometownlife.com or 734-311-0659
This article originally appeared on Hometownlife.com: Westland man to be sentenced for threatening Gov. Whitmer over email
