FL Man Who Threatened NY Jewish Organization Heads To Prison: U.S. DOJ

SARASOTA, FL — A Sarasota man arrested after making a threatening phone call to the New York City-based World Jewish Congress in October is heading to federal prison, authorities said.

Deep Alpesh Kumar Patel, 21, was sentenced Thursday to six months in prison for transmitting
an interstate threat to injure, according to a U.S. Department of Justice news release. He pleaded guilty to the charge on Dec. 15.

Patel left a threatening voicemail at the organization on Oct. 21. In the message, he identified himself by name and screamed, among other expletives, “If I had a chance, I would kill every single one of you Israelis. Every single one of you! Cause mass genocide of every single Israeli.”

• Also Read: FL Man Made Threatening Call To World Jewish Congress In NY: U.S. DOJ

When speaking to investigators, he also admitted that he had called a synagogue in Temple Terrace that same day, leaving a threatening voicemail laced with expletives there, as well, the DOJ said.

Patel said that he intentionally chose Jewish and/or Israeli individuals and organizations as the objects of his threat.

“No one should live under the threat of violence or intimidation because of their religion, race, ethnicity or beliefs,” stated U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida Roger Handberg. “We will continue working with our law enforcement partners at every level to investigate and prosecute those who threaten harm to any citizen as we stand united against hate.”