LANSING, Mich. — An Ohio woman is facing prison time after being charged with leaving threatening and racist voicemails for Michigan state Reps. Sarah Anthony and Cynthia Johnson.
Sandra Bachman, 58, of Batavia, Ohio, is charged with one count of false report or threat of terrorism, one count of ethnic intimidation and two counts of telecommunications services.
“The division in our country, and in Michigan especially, has continued to build and develop over the last few years to a point where it’s getting in the way of our democracy and distracting us from good governance," State Rep. Sarah Anthony wrote in a statement. "We are at a point in time where we just have to tone down the temperature and choose to lead with respect, even if we disagree. There is no room for this type of vitriolic language or hatred in politics, or any public space. I am grateful for Attorney General Nessel and her team for taking these threats seriously and taking swift, decisive action against this type of intimidation.”
Michigan State Police investigated the incidents before referring them to state Attorney General's Office.
“This rise in threats against elected officials will not be tolerated,” Nessel said. “Those who think hiding behind a phone or keyboard will prevent them from facing criminal charges are severely mistaken. I appreciate the work done across state lines to bring accountability in this case.”
A court arraignment is set for March 31 at 8:15 a.m.
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