NJ Man Sent Racist Texts, Threats To Woman: Officials

SOUTH JERSEY — A New Jersey man admitted Tuesday to sending racist messages and threats of violence to a Black woman and her family in Maryland, according to a U.S. Department of Justice release.

Michael Marotta, 26, of Sewell, pleaded guilty to making threatening interstate communications. According to Marotta’s plea agreement, Marotta used a mobile phone app to anonymously send threatening messages to the woman.

In the messages, Marotta used racial epithets to describe the woman and her family. He also threatened to come to their home and physically harm them, authorities said.

Among the messages Marotta wrote were, "I know where you live now, I’m coming to rape your family" and "Eat my bullets," authorities said.

According to the plea announcement, Marotta didn't know the victim, nor did the victim know Marotta.

"The vile threats issued by this defendant have no place in civilized society," Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke said in the announcement. "The department, and specifically the Civil Rights Division, will use all tools at our disposal to ensure that people who interfere with the rights of others will be brought to justice."

The plea announcement did not indicate how Marotta found his victim.

Marotta faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for May 25.