SCRANTON, PA–Nicholas Savino, 42, has been sentenced to a year in prison and will be forced to undergo psychiatric treatment due to statements he made online last August.
Savino went to the White House’s website and called Obama “the Anti-Christ” and stated the President will be “shot dead.” While Savino’s statements are protected by the first amendment, Secret Service Agents were still sent to his Pennsylvania home. U.S. District Judge James Munley ordered Savino to turn over guns and ammunition that were seized from his home by the agents. Along with two assault weapons, 11,000 rounds of ammunition and a long-range scope, literature on “How to Shoot Under Pressure” and using airplanes as weapons were allegedly discovered.
Savino was also reaching out to militia groups to share his intentions according to court records. His attorney Paul Ackourey claims Savino had gone off his bipolar medication when he posted those statements.
A plea deal was entered in March, with Savino pleading guilty to posting the threat. He originally faced up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Savino has been credited with time served since his arrest 10 months ago, and will only have to serve two more months in prison. He will additionally be ordered to serve two years probation upon his release.
[about_faith]
