Windsor Man Indicted for Extortion and Threats

Press Release

Defendant allegedly made threat with intent to extort Social Security disability benefits

BOSTON - A Windsor, Mass. man was arrested today and charged in federal court in Springfield for making online threats and extortionate demands.

Michael Andrew Rodgers, 31, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of threatening interstate communications and one count of extortionate interstate communications. Rodgers was released on conditions following an initial appearance today in federal court in Springfield, Mass. before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Katherine A. Robertson.

According to the indictment, on April 5, 2023, Rodgers posted a threat on the Google review page of a Springfield medical practice that stated: "They gonna get what's coming soon. […] Will be there in the morning to get them myself one way or another. Locked and loaded." Beneath this text, Rodgers allegedly included an image of a hand holding a gun.

It is further alleged that on April 6, 2024, Rodgers submitted a threat through a fraud reporting website for the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General with the intent to extort Social Security disability benefits. Specifically, Rodgers allegedly stated: "I m gonna start taking what I need. By any means nessacary. […] GIVE ME MY MONEY OR IM GONNA START DROPPING PEOPLE. YOULL NEVER FIND MY WEAPONS SO STOP LOOKING AND GIVE ME MY CHECK. […] NEXT TIME I SLICE SOMETHING OPEN. IT WONT BE ME. ITLL BE ONE OF YOUR CHILDREN ILL MERC A WHOLE SCHOOL AND NOT GIVE A F***. […] SO YOULL BE MY FIRST TARGET IF YOU KEEP REFUSING TO HELP ME."

"The charges against Mr. Rodgers involve very serious and terrifying threats designed to instill fear and extort his victims. His alleged extortion demands to unlawfully obtain money from the federal government clearly crossed the line into criminal conduct. In these virulent times, no one should ever have to endure the fear and distress caused by this type of alleged conduct.," said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. "Our office remains steadfast in pursuing justice and ensuring that those who resort to violent threats and intimidation are held fully accountable for their actions."

"While the First Amendment gives us the right to express our own opinions, violent physical threats are certainly not protected speech," said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. "When someone repeatedly threatens the lives of others, it's a clear red flag, and we have to take their despicable words at face value. Today's arrest of Michael Rodgers demonstrates the FBI's resolve to investigate and bring to justice anyone who crosses this line."

"The safety and security of the Social Security Administration is of utmost priority and our agency is committed to protecting employees from threats and acts of violence. We thank our law enforcement partners, the Massachusetts State Police and the FBI assisting in this investigation and working to apprehend this subject." said Corwin Rattler, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, Boston-New York Field Division.

The charge of threatening interstate communications provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of extortionate interstate communications provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

Acting U.S. Attorney Levy, FBI SAC Cohen and SSA-OIG Acting SAC Rattler made the announcement today. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the Massachusetts State Police, Springfield Police Department, Windsor Police Department and Federal Protective Service. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Nagelberg of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Updated September 16, 2024