Army Sergeant Convicted of Threatening Judge in YouTube Video; First Amendment Appeal Possible
A federal jury in Tennessee has convicted an Army sergeant for threatening a judge in a YouTube video.
Franklin Delano “Dale” Jeffries II was convicted of transmitting a threat in interstate commerce for his angry song about a long battle over visitation rights, according to the Knoxville News Sentinel and WBIR.com. Jurors deliberated less than two hours.
Jeffries sings that his daughter’s mother has “parent alienation her” and his next court date will be his last. “Believe that, or I’ll come after you afterwards,” he sings. “If I have to kill a judge, or a lawyer, or a woman, I don’t care, because this is my daughter we’re talking about.” The publication posted an edited copy of the video.
Jeffries posted the singing rant five days before he was to appear before Judge Michael Moyers of Knox County, the story says. Jeffries’ lawyer, Ralph Harwell, told the News Sentinel that the case will likely be appealed on First Amendment grounds.
Prior coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “Army Sergeant Charged with Threatening Judge in YouTube Rap”
