DETROIT (AP) - A lawyer for an ex-convict charged with using the internet to threaten police officers who attended the funeral of a Detroit officer says there's a strong First Amendment defense in the case.
The FBI says Deshawn Lanton threatened to "drop a bomb" on a St. Clair Shores church Sept. 23 during the funeral of Sgt. Ken Steil, who was shot while chasing a suspect. Investigators say the threat was made on Facebook as the service was streamed live.
Court-appointed lawyer Rafael Villarruel tells The Macomb Daily that Lanton was exercising his right to free speech.
The FBI says Lanton is on probation and has convictions for fleeing police, resisting police and other crimes. Police Chief James Craig has said he will "relentlessly" pursue anyone who threatens a Detroit officer.
Published: Thu, Oct 20, 2016
