Former Santa Cruz Resident Convicted of Threatening Two FBI Agents in the Northern District of California

Brian Broderick, a former resident of Santa Cruz, California, was convicted by a federal jury of threatening two FBI agents. The jury found him guilty of transmitting a communication containing a threat to injure, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 875(c). Broderick had contacted the FBI multiple times in 2021 and 2022 to report various matters, including allegations regarding his former employer. However, after receiving an email from an FBI special agent following up on his reports, Broderick began sending escalating and derogatory emails to multiple FBI agents, including threats towards one specific agent. Additionally, he posted a video on his YouTube channel of himself surveilling a local FBI office.

Judge Edward J. Davila scheduled Broderick’s sentencing hearing for June 24, 2024. The defendant faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, although the actual sentence will be determined after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553. The prosecution of the case is being led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth Chambers and Thomas Colthurst, with the assistance of Laurie Worthen, Elise Etter, Kay Konopaske, and Kathleen Turner. The investigation was conducted by the FBI.

The conviction of Brian Broderick highlights the seriousness with which threats against law enforcement agents are taken by the federal government. Making threats of violence towards FBI agents or any other law enforcement officials is a federal offense that can result in significant penalties, including imprisonment. It serves as a reminder that law enforcement officers must be able to perform their duties without fear of intimidation or harm.

Broderick’s actions, including sending threatening emails and posting surveillance videos of an FBI office, demonstrate a clear intent to intimidate and harm law enforcement officials. Such behavior not only undermines the essential work of law enforcement but also poses a threat to public safety. The successful prosecution of this case sends a strong message that threats against FBI agents will not be tolerated and will be met with swift and decisive legal action.

In conclusion, the conviction of Brian Broderick for threatening FBI agents serves as a warning to individuals who may seek to intimidate or harm law enforcement officials. The federal government takes threats against law enforcement seriously and will prosecute those who engage in such behavior to the fullest extent of the law. Broderick’s sentencing hearing in June will determine the consequences he will face for his actions, underscoring the gravity of making threats against those who serve to protect and uphold the law.