NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY - August 13, 2024

SAN DIEGO - George Joseph Wellinger II of San Diego made his first appearance in federal court today to face charges that he sent a threatening email to a member of the LGBTQ community.

The victim was targeted after being interviewed for a KTLA news report about a hate-inspired murder in Lake Arrowhead in 2023.

According to the indictment, the email called the victim "another alphabet clown that wants to take a dirt nap, too," and included a link to the KTLA news report which featured the victim and others discussing the murder of a Lake Arrowhead business owner who had been gunned down for hanging a Pride flag in her business.

The email continued: "We know what you look like and know where are you are....only a matter of time....Love it....get ur ghey on sister....scissor it up....we coming for ur rainbow azz. Click Click!!!!;

Wellinger was arraigned on an indictment charging him with Transmitting a Threatening Communication. The indictment alleges Wellinger targeted his victim because of her sexual orientation.

"Hate crimes are designed terrify both the victim and the community," said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. "The U. S. Attorney's Office works tirelessly on prosecuting these cases to send our own message: San Diego is no place for hate."

"Today's indictment serves as a reminder there is no room for hate in our community," said Stacey Moy, Special Agent in Charge for the FBI San Diego Field Office. "Hate crimes remain one of the top FBI priorities and we will continue to protect and safeguard our communities."

Wellinger was taken into custody early today and at today's hearing, U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara L. Major set a $50,000 bond and ordered home detention and electronic monitoring.

If you or anyone you know believes you have been the victim of a hate crime, please contact the FBI at https://tips.fbi.gov/home. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jacqueline M. Jimenez and Alicia Williams are prosecuting this case.

DEFENDANT Case Number: 24-CR-1591

George Joseph Wellinger II Age: 48 San Diego, CA

CHARGE

Transmitting a Threatening Communication - Title 18 U.S.C., § 875(c)

Maximum penalty: Five years in prison

INVESTIGATING AGENCY

Federal Bureau of Investigation

For more information and resources about the department's work to combat hate crimes, visit https://www.justice.gov/hatecrimes.

*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.