Orlando man indicted for allegedly threatening to kill federal attorney

A 58-year-old Orlando man has been indicted, weeks after he allegedly threatened in writing to kill New Jersey U.S. Attorney Alina Habba.

On Friday, June 27, federal prosecutors unsealed an indictment charging 58-year-old Salvatore Russotto with threatening to injure and kill Attorney Habba and retaliating against a federal law enforcement officer by threat.

According to the indictment, Russotto used one of his online accounts to make a “series of postings” on Monday, May 19. Those online posts allegedly included several “true threat(s) of violence,” including:

• “A slow painful death for HABBA.”
• “Eliminate HABBA. 86 Traitor. Death penalty for all traitors.”
• “I HOPE YOU DIE A PAINFUL DEATH.”

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

If convicted on both counts, Russotto would face a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Newark, Jersey and Tampa, Florida Field Offices – and the United States Marshals Service. It will be prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kara Wick.