WICHITA, KAN. – Gage H. Clausen, 21, of Cheney, Kansas, has pleaded guilty to federal charges of violation of 18 U.S.C. § 875(c), Interstate Communication of a Threat. Clausen previously communicated a threat via the internet on the life of a juvenile, according to the United State's Attorney's office.
“Gage Clausen threatened serious bodily harm against another person via the Internet,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard. “His plea of guilty Thursday should send a message that, you cannot hide behind a computer keyboard and make threats against another person with impunity. These threats are taken seriously, they are investigated and people are held accountable.”
Google has several App Engines, none of which are located in the State of Kansas. These engines are located in Iowa, South Carolina, Virginia, Oregon, California, Utah, and Nevada. In order for Clausen’s communication to be received by the victim the communication would have traveled through one of these engines, thus Clausen’s communication traveled in interstate commerce before reaching the victim.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 25, 2021 at 2:30, before U.S. District Judge John W. Broomes.
------------
WICHITA, KAN. – The FBI investigated a social media threat involving a Kansas man.
As a result of the investigation, Gage H. Clausen, 20, Cheney, Kan., is charged with one count of making a threat via interstate communications, according to the United State's Attorney. The crime is alleged to have occurred June 27, in Cheney, Kansas.
Clausen is alleged to have used social media to send a threat to a 15-year-old student at Derby School. The threat was couched in racist language and referred to the victim as a “filthy farm animal.”
If convicted, Clausen could face up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.