Mississippi man accused of threatening federal official. Were they cries for help or genuine threats?
Published 6:11 am Thursday, September 19, 2024
A 38-year-old Mississippi man who officials say left multiple threatening voicemails on the Department of Defense — messages that also referenced mind control and a ‘voice of God’ weapon — is now being held without bond after threatening a federal official.
The Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal reports that Bradley K. Neal, of Houlka, Mississippi, is accused of leaving multiple voicemails on the Department of Defense (DOD) hotline in late July and early August.
During a preliminary hearing, federal prosecutors played recordings of the calls. In one of the calls, Neal said, “I’m gonna come see y’all and start blowing people away.” In other calls, he also made multiple references to mind control and a “voice of God” weapon he believes is being used to torture him.
Neal’s federal public defender argued the messages were cries for help, not genuine threats, noting that Neal provided his name and contact information in each call.
Despite the defense’s argument, U.S. Magistrate Roy Percy ruled there was sufficient evidence to detain Neal, citing his criminal history, which includes multiple convictions for domestic violence and assault.
A former National Guard member, Neal currently faces additional charges, including possession of methamphetamine and making terroristic threats. A grand jury will consider the case next week.
