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A Florida man who threatened to kill lawyer who defended former Minneapolis cop Derek Chauvin pleaded guilty Thursday, prosecutors said.
The man, William John Hartnett, 42, of Coral Gables, made threats during a phone call to the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association on April 6 while Chauvin was on trial for the murder of George Floyd, said officials.
Hartnett called the organization, which funded Chauvin’s defense, and left a message that read in part: “you and your whole family are going to die … for representing Chauvin,” according to a criminal complaint.
Hartnett told investigators he was trying to reach Chauvin’s lawyer Eric Nelson, according to court documents.
Chauvin was convicted of third degree murder and second degree manslaughter on April 20 for killing Floyd, a black man, in May 2020.
Chauvin knelt on Floyd’s neck for over 9 minutes, sparking outrage and protests across the country and around the world.
Hartnett pleaded guilty Wednesday to one count of transmitting a threat through interstate communications, the South Florida District Attorney’s Office said.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Hartnett is expected to be sentenced on December 15.
Hartnett’s attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday evening.
Chauvin was sentenced to 22 and a half years in prison in June. Three other former Minneapolis police officers have been charged in connection with Floyd’s death. They were also charged with violations of federal civil rights.
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