SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Rochester, Ill., man has been arrested
and charged by criminal complaint with making a threatening communication
against U.S. Congressman Rodney Davis. Randall E. Tarr, 64, of the 200 block of
E. Mill St., Rochester, Ill., was arrested today and appeared in federal court
before U.S. Magistrate Judge Tom Schanzle-Haskins in Springfield.
The affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint
alleges that in the morning of Nov. 25, 2019, Tarr called the Decatur, Ill.,
office of Congressman Davis and left a profanity-filled voicemail message in
which he threatened to shoot the congressman.
According to the affidavit, the voicemail message was
forwarded to U.S. Capitol Police, in Washington, D.C. Through caller ID, police
identified Tarr as the alleged caller and U.S. Capitol Police contacted the
Rochester Police Department to ask officers to make contact with Tarr.
Rochester police officers made initial contact with Tarr on Nov. 25, at his
residence. According to the affidavit, FBI officers subsequently interviewed
Tarr.
The complaint charges Tarr with one count of communication
of a threat to injure a person, which is punishable by up to five years in
prison, and one count of making a threat to a federal official, which carries a
statutory maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison.
During today’s hearing, Judge Schanzle-Haskins appointed the
federal public defender to represent Tarr for purposes of determining bond.
Tarr was released from custody under conditions, including home detention and
location monitoring; prohibited contact with any victims and witnesses;
prohibited from consumption of alcohol; and further, that Tarr cooperate in
drug and alcohol screening and mental health evaluation. Judge Schanzle-Haskins
scheduled the next court appearance for Tarr on Dec. 17, 2019.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Crystal Correa is representing the
government in the prosecution. The FBI and Rochester Police Department are
conducting the investigation.
Members of the public are reminded that a complaint is
merely an accusation; the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
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