Ex-Teacher Faces Jail: Shocking Threat in Legal Battle

A former teacher has received a five-year sentence for threatening a judge engaged in a pivotal parental rights case.

At a Glance

Retired teacher Stephen Thorn sentenced to five years for threatening a Florida judge.
Thorn’s threats were in response to a ruling on Florida’s “don’t say gay” law.
U.S. District Judge William Jung handed down the maximum sentence.
The case highlights the rise in threats against federal judges.
Thorn apologized, acknowledging his “rashly and angrily” behavior.

Details of the Case

Stephen Thorn, a retired teacher from Pensacola, Florida, has been sentenced to five years in prison for threatening U.S. District Judge Wendy Berger. Thorn left vulgar, obscenity-laden voicemail messages for the judge after she dismissed a challenge to Florida’s “don’t say gay” law in October 2022. The threats detailed plans to track and harm both the judge and her family.

The “Don’t Say Gay” law, formally known as the Parental Rights in Education Act, restricts classroom discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity from pre-kindergarten through third grade. Thorn, who is openly gay and an advocate for LGBTQ+ students, had harsh words for Judge Berger, accusing her of enabling discrimination and bullying against LGBTQ+ children.

Retired gay teacher sentenced to five years after threatening judge over Don't Say Gay casehttps://t.co/pfUw0j3Cwo

— PinkNews (@PinkNews) August 30, 2024

Severity of the Sentence

Judge William Jung in Tampa handed down the maximum possible sentence of five years, which was twice the duration sought by prosecutors. This decision underscores the judiciary’s intolerance for threats against its members. Thorn’s actions have brought to light the growing number of threats against federal judges in recent years, with serious threats more than doubling from 224 in fiscal 2021 to 457 in fiscal 2023.

“Threatening harm against public officials, or their families, is an intolerable offense. My office takes such threats seriously and is committed to investigating and federally prosecuting anyone who threatens this sort of violence,” said US district attorney Roger B. Handberg

Thorn pleaded guilty to the charges, admitting in a letter that he “rashly and angrily” overreacted to the judge’s ruling. He expressed remorse for his actions, stating, “I want to sincerely apologize for any emotional distress this caused this judge and/or her immediate family members or staff to experience. My intention was not to threaten her and/or her immediate family members.”

Ex-teacher gets 5 years in prison for threatening Florida judge in LGBTQ case @nateraymond https://t.co/CI86KhXkaJ pic.twitter.com/cpCwIItNqX

— Reuters Legal (@ReutersLegal) August 29, 2024

Implications and Reactions

This case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of intimidating judicial officials. Judicial independence is a cornerstone of our legal system, and attempts to undermine it through threats must be dealt with firmly. Thorn’s sentencing also raises questions about the broader societal debate concerning parental control in educational settings and the boundaries of permissible discussion topics in classrooms.

“I spent a large portion of my teaching career advocating for LGBTQ+ public school students and volunteering for LGBTQ+ youth advocacy organizations in both Florida and in California. I am also the parent of two adult sons, one of whom is gay. Consequently, this factored into my overreaction, as well,” said Stephen Thorn

Florida’s Parental Rights in Education Act has been a flashpoint for controversy, drawing criticism from LGBTQ+ and civil rights groups for its impact on freedom of speech and its vagueness, which may lead teachers to avoid the topic altogether to avoid potential legal issues.