A Toledo man was charged in federal court Friday for making threats against U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D., N.Y.) and illegally possessing ammunition.
Timothy J. Ireland, Jr., 41, was charged in U.S. District Court in Toledo with being a felon in possession of a firearm, being a fugitive in possession of a firearm, and making interstate threats.
The count of threatening comes with a maximum sentence of five years in prison, while the two firearms charges each carry a maximum 10-year sentence.
The United States Capitol Police received information on July 23 that threatening statements were posted on Facebook, according to a criminal complaint filed in the case. The statements were perceived to be threats against Ms. Ocasio-Cortez.
A screen shot was provided to Capitol Police of a news story related to the congressman with linked comments that stated: “She should be shot. Can’t fire me, my employer would load the gun for me.”
The statement was made from a Facebook page whose listed user was Tim Ireland of Toledo, according to the complaint. U.S. Capitol Police officers stated in the complaint that Ireland admitted in a call with them on Aug. 2 to making the statement and that “he was very proud of that post he made.” He also said he has firearms and always carries them concealed, according to the complaint.
Ireland’s attorney, Ryan Parker, declined to comment about his client’s employer. Ms. Ocasio-Cortez’s office also declined to comment.
Ms. Ocasio-Cortez is one of four progressive lawmakers known as the “Squad.” The group includes Michigan Rep. Rashida Tlalib, Massachusetts Rep. Ayanna Pressley, and Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar. The four are heralded in liberal circles but have faced backlash from the right, including from President Donald Trump, who wrote in a tweet last month that the four U.S. citizens should “go back” to their “broken and crime infested” countries.
A criminal history check revealed Ireland had outstanding warrants for felony failure to appear in court in Sarasota County, Fla., and a misdemeanor failure to appear related to a marijuana possession charge in Cook County, Ga., officials said. Further review revealed Ireland had been convicted in 1996 in Sarasota County of four felony counts of dealing in stolen property.
USCP and ATF agents searched Ireland’s residence at 234 Kosciusko St. on Aug. 8. He was taken into custody on an outstanding warrant in Florida. A search revealed three rounds of .32-caliber ammunition and four rounds of .45-caliber ammunition.
First Published August 9, 2019, 4:27 p.m.
