LANSING, Mich. – A 51-year-old man from Westland has pleaded no contest to charges for allegedly sending email threats to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
According to authorities, Jason Tolonen repeatedly sent “nonsensical, harassing, racist, and threatening emails” to Whitmer. Michigan State Police ended up executing a search warrant at his house in November 2023 after he reportedly threatened to assassinate Whitmer or President Joe Biden. Authorities said he admitted to sending the messages and stopped sending threats briefly before resuming in February 2024.
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Tolonen was charged with one count of using a computer to commit a crime and three counts of malicious use of a telecommunications service. Authorities confirmed Monday, May 13, he pleaded no contest to those charges.
As part of his plea, Tolonen will be required to attend Alcoholics Anonymous and refrain from repeated, unwanted contact with any individual, business or governmental entity.
Tolonen will also be required to submit to mental health and substance abuse evaluations and any recommendations prior to his sentencing on June 12.