NEAR FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (WSVN) – Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies said they have arrested the man behind several threatening posts to law enforcement officials on Facebook.
Patrick Taylor faced a judge on Tuesday morning after posting social media threats to the FBI, BSO and the governor of Florida under a pseudonym.
“You’re charged with intimidation writing or sending threats to kill,” said the judge before Taylor interrupted her. “Well, that’s what you’re charged with. Don’t tell me about the facts of your case quite yet.”
Investigators said in early June, under the name of Rick Johnson, the 30-year-old posted a threat to the FBI saying, “The head of the FBI is about to be murdered.”
He threatened Sheriff Gregory Tony writing, “The new head BSO will be murdered” and also posted, “The Governor of Florida will be executed,” investigators said.
“Taylor made specific threats to kill people, including the sheriff,” said Lt. Greg Molamphy with BSO’s Threat Management Division.
Deputies also said he would post statements on his Facebook account frequently, sometimes minutes apart.
Taylor was arrested Monday and granted $401,000 bond.
“The report came from a friend of his that reported his odd behavior and his odd posts,” said Molamphy.
Prosecutors also requested for Taylor to not have access to the internet if his bond is posted, which caused him to speak out once again.
“We don’t have a problem with any of the special conditions that the state is recommending,” Taylor’s attorney said.
“I do,” Taylor said.
“Uh, OK,” Taylor’s attorney said.
“How would I use a cellphone to call my mother? I mean, that’s a modern-day device,” Taylor said.
“Your attorney is advising you to not make any comments, and I’d advise you to listen to your attorney,” said the judge.
Taylor no longer spoke out but gave a thumbs up and later stuck his tongue out.
Should Taylor post bond, he will be required to wear a GPS monitor, will not have access to the internet and cannot own a weapon.
Copyright 2024 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.