By: Richard L. Smith
In a case that highlights the consequences of making threatening communications and phoning in false bomb threats, a Monmouth County man has been sentenced to 240 months in federal prison.
Eric G. Hafner, 32, formerly of Monmouth County, found himself on the receiving end of a substantial sentence Thursday for his actions, which targeted New Jersey state officials, judges, law enforcement officers, and attorneys, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Hafner pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including making threatening communications in interstate or foreign commerce with intent to extort, making threatening communications in interstate or foreign commerce, and conveying false information concerning the use of an explosive device.
These charges stemmed from his disturbing pattern of behavior, which spanned from July 2016 to May 2018.
The victims of Hafner's threats and extortion attempts were a wide array of individuals, including elected officials, judges, police officers, attorneys, and their families.
Hafner sought to extort a staggering $350,000 from some of his targets.
Beyond this, he phoned in false bomb threats to various government and commercial locations, including an elected official's office, a county courthouse, a police department, two law firms, and a commercial establishment.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger, commenting on the case, emphasized that such threatening communications are unacceptable and cause significant harm to victims.
He reassured the public that these crimes would be met with a swift response from his office.
Hafner's sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of such actions, as he now faces a lengthy prison term.
In addition to the prison sentence, Judge Zahid N. Quraishi ordered Hafner to serve three years of supervised release, emphasizing the seriousness of the offenses and the need for rehabilitation and monitoring.