Delco Man Admits To Stalking, Threatening Philly Newscaster For Years

ALDAN, PA — A Delaware County man who's been accused of threatening politicians pleaded guilty Wednesday to years of stalking a Philadelphia TV newscaster, including sending a letter saying he hoped the victim would suffer the same fate as Charlie Kirk.

From 2019 until this March, the TV news broadcaster periodically received threatening letters at his workplace. The letters, from an unknown sender, referenced the victim's sexual orientation, contained homophobic slurs, and threatened violence against him and his family, according to court documents.

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The broadcaster's name and news station are redacted in court filings.

The victim ignored the messages until September, when he received a letter saying "I hope what happened to Charlie Kirk happens to you." Kirk, a right-wing media personality, was shot and killed while speaking in public a week before.

Investigators examined fingerprints on some of the letters, linking them to Stephen M. Cilurso, 73, of Aldan. Cilurso's fingerprints were already in the FBI's database.

In 2021, Montgomery County detectives accused Cilurso of making threatening and lewd calls to U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean's office. He was sentenced to 90 days' probation and ordered to never contact Dean, her staff or any congressional office.

Cilurso violated this order in March 2025, when he called Dean's office and left a derogatory voicemail, an affidavit says. Montgomery County detectives warned Cilurso that further contact with Dean would result in his arrest.

Cilurso was arrested in January after authorities say he made threats against New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill when she was a member of Congress. The case is pending.

In March, FBI agents confronted Cilurso about the letters to the Philly news broadcaster. Afterward, Cilurso sent the victim more letters begging him to drop the case and threatening to kill himself.

On Wednesday, Cilurso pleaded guilty in federal court to stalking by mail and witness tampering.

Under a plea agreement, federal prosecutors will request a 30-month prison sentence. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 17.

Cilurso's listed attorney didn't immediately return comment to Patch.