Hate Crime Threat Against Nessel Ends in Guilty Plea from New York Man

A New York man, Kevin Delgado, pled guilty to a federal hate crime for threatening Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel after her friend’s murder. He faces up to five years in prison, highlighting rising threats against public officials.

New York man pleads guilty in federal court after online threat against Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.

DETROIT — A 40-year-old New York resident has pleaded guilty to a federal hate crime after issuing a threatening message to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel following her public expression of grief over a murdered friend.

Hate Crime Threat Stemmed from Social Media Post Honoring Murder Victim

On October 21, 2023, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel posted a message on X (formerly Twitter) memorializing a friend who had been murdered earlier that day. She shared a photograph, offered condolences, and described her friend’s faith and service to the community.

The next day, Kevin Delgado, a resident of Bayside, New York, responded to that post with a threat. Federal authorities later charged him with transmitting threats in interstate commerce, a felony offense.

According to court filings, Delgado admitted to threatening Nessel because of her religion and her perceived sexual orientation, making it a hate-motivated federal crime under applicable statutes.

Federal Prosecutors Emphasize Protection for Public Officials

“The federal government is dedicated to protecting all Americans against threats of violence,” said U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr., who announced the plea alongside the FBI’s Detroit Field Office.

“Every person has equal dignity, and our office will tirelessly work to protect them. Public officials must be free to exercise their office without fear,” Gorgon added.

Delgado pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court and will be sentenced on September 22, 2025, by Judge Nancy G. Edmunds. He faces a maximum sentence of up to five years in federal prison.

FBI Condemns Hate-Based Threats and Pledges Accountability

Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Division, directly addressed the nature of the threats:

“Threatening public officials is both illegal and unacceptable. The hateful comments made by Mr. Delgado online were especially outrageous.”

Gibson also reaffirmed the FBI’s commitment to pursuing such threats:
“The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and hold accountable those who make these dangerous and harmful threats against officials dedicated to serving and protecting our communities.”

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Frances Lee Carlson.

Michigan Officials Remain High-Profile Targets of Threats

This case underscores a broader pattern of increased threats toward elected officials nationwide — a trend that has not spared Michigan, where political figures from both parties have faced heightened risks.

Dana Nessel, one of the nation’s few openly LGBTQ+ attorneys general, has previously spoken publicly about the threats she receives. This federal prosecution is a rare instance in which a perpetrator is successfully charged and pleads guilty in a hate crime involving an elected official.

Federal Charges Reflect Growing Legal Pressure Against Online Threats

This case aligns with the Department of Justice’s emphasis on prosecuting interstate threats and hate crimes. Federal law under 18 U.S. Code §?875(c) prohibits threatening communications transmitted via interstate commerce, including online platforms.

Violators can face up to five years in prison, even if no physical harm results. Convictions require only that a reasonable person would interpret the communication as a real threat.

Delgado’s plea indicates clear admission of intent and motive, satisfying key thresholds for federal hate crime designation.

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