In brief
A jury in Milwaukee has convicted 52-year-old Demetric Scott for felony identity theft and witness intimidation after he sent threats against Donald Trump while attempting to deport a robbery victim. The victim, Ramon Morales Reyes, was targeted in a violent bike robbery, where Scott stole his bicycle. Investigators disclosed that Scott was behind letters threatening Trump, despite Morales Reyes's lack of English proficiency, leading law enforcement to believe Scott's motive was to manipulate the legal system. Scott faces up to 26 years in prison pending sentencing on February 27.
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A jury found a Wisconsin man guilty Thursday of forging threats against President Donald Trump in an attempt to get the victim in a robbery case against him deported.
Online court records show the Milwaukee County jury found 52-year-old Demetric Scott guilty of felony identity theft and witness intimidation after deliberating for most of the day. He represented himself during the three-day trial and was immediately taken into custody after the verdicts were read.
According to court documents, victim Ramon Morales Reyes was attacked while riding his bike in September 2023 by Scott, who kicked him off the bike, stabbed him, and stole it. Scott was arrested hours later, and while in jail, he wrote multiple letters impersonating Morales Reyes to state and federal officials, threatening to kill Trump.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem condemned the threats and highlighted the case as part of the administration's crackdown on immigration. Investigators confirmed Morales Reyes couldn’t have composed the letters due to his limited English skills, and Scott's handwriting did not match.
Scott also faced charges related to armed robbery and battery concerning the incident with Morales Reyes, but the jury acquitted him on those counts while convicting him on a reckless endangerment charge.
Now, Scott awaits sentencing on February 27, facing up to 26 years in prison. Meanwhile, Morales Reyes, who was mistakenly detained due to Scott’s actions, is currently in ICE custody, facing potential deportation despite applying for a U-visa.
Morales Reyes's attorney expressed relief over Scott's conviction, noting that the victim wishes to simply work and reunite with his family after enduring trauma from the situation.
