Defendant was found guilty of two counts of threatening to assault a federal law enforcement officer. On appeal, defendant argued that the district court committed cumulative error by admitting testimony concerning his other interactions with the individual who was the object of the charged threats and by excluding testimony from mental health professionals. Defendant also challenged the sufficiency of the evidence as to the second of the two counts on the basis that threatening statement was made to a personal social media account and was seen by the law enforcement officer after regular work hours. The Seventh Circuit affirmed, finding that defendant was permitted to adequately offer a defense to the charges against him, which the jury rejected when it found him guilty. (BRENNAN and ST. EVE, concurring)
Federal 7th Circuit Court
Criminal Court
Cumulative Error