(Source: MIRS.news Staff Report - Published 03/15/2022) An Ohio woman faces up to 20 years in prison related to allegations she left threatening and racist voicemails -- including a death threat -- for two state lawmakers.
Sandra Bachman, 58, of Batavia, faces arraignment in 54A District Court on March 31 on one count each of false report of threat of terrorism and ethnic intimidation and two counts of malicious use of a telecommunications device for incidents in 2021.
The Attorney General's office alleges Bachman left a threatening voicemail for Rep. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) on May 2, 2021, that said: "Hay um, need to cancel that bill against the vets, you little traitor. And, um, you won't see the bullet coming, let me tell you that. So, stop this shit and you're fired. We'll be coming to Michigan soon to remove you from your post."
Bachman also is accused of leaving a voicemail for Rep. Cynthia A. Johnson (D-Detroit) in June 2021.
The AG's office said an excerpt of that message is: "Well, baby-doll, n***a lip b***h, monkey, we are going to get you. You will die. You are one of the worst offenders. We actually have a tier too, in like points for how much you are worth once we kill you. … You’re going to die and I’m happy about it. The whole world will be rejoicing, just know that. Sleep well.”
Johnson, who is Black, received death threats and racist messages after she tried to question Rudy Giuliani during a legislative committee hearing in December 2020. Among the voicemails she posted to Facebook was one calling for her to be lynched.
Johnson was later disciplined in the House for posting a Facebook video commentary that some felt was threatening.
Attempts to reach Johnson today were not successful.
Anthony expressed gratitude to the Attorney General and her team for taking the “threats seriously.”
“The division in our country, and in Michigan especially, has continued to build and develop over the last few years to a point where it's getting in the way of our democracy and distracting us from good governance,” she said in a statement. “We are at a point in time where we just have to tone down the temperature and choose to lead with respect, even if we disagree. There is no room for this type of vitriolic language or hatred in politics, or any public space.”
Attorney General Dana Nessel said Tuesday the rise in threats against elected officials "will not be tolerated."
"Those who think hiding behind a phone or keyboard will prevent them from facing criminal charges are severely mistaken," she said. "I appreciate the work done across state lines to bring accountability in this case."
Michigan State Police investigated.
