A South Dennis man has pleaded guilty to making violent threats against a federal official and members of the official’s family. Michael P. Mahoney, 62, admitted in federal court to one count of transmitting interstate threats to injure another person. His sentencing is set for October 29, 2025, before U.S. District Court Chief Judge Denise J. Casper.
The incident occurred on March 28, 2025, when the relative of a well-known federal official received a phone call with “No Caller ID” while dining outside Massachusetts. According to authorities, Mahoney confirmed the recipient’s full name and then shouted threats stating he would murder the relative, their spouse, and the federal official—referring to both by their first names—and used explicit language during the brief call. The relative ended the call after about 12 seconds as Mahoney continued yelling. He called back immediately but received no answer.
Investigators traced both calls to Mahoney using records from the phone service provider. When law enforcement visited his home in South Dennis on March 29, Mahoney did not respond to officers at his door or answer his phone.
If convicted, Mahoney faces up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a possible fine of $250,000. Sentencing will follow guidelines established by federal statutes and the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
“United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Dennis Police Chief John Brady made the announcement today.” Assistant U.S. Attorney Nadine Pellegrini is prosecuting the case as Chief of the National Security Unit.
