Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette Wednesday announced that Nheru Littleton, 41, of Detroit, has pleaded guilty to one felony count of Making a Terrorist Threat. He was charged with that crime as a result of social media posts that threatened the lives of police officers.
"The men and women in law enforcement across the state put themselves directly in the line of fire to protect each and every one of us. They already have a difficult, and often dangerous job without fearing an unprovoked attack," said Schuette. "This plea should serve as a reminder that threatening the safety of these men and women will be treated with the utmost significance and those that make these threats will be faced with the highest consequences."
Littleton pleaded guilty on February 6, 2018 before Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Vonda Evans in Detroit. His sentencing date is scheduled for April 10, 2018.
Charges against Littleton were upheld through multiple motions and appeals. A motion to dismiss was filed in the district court which was denied. A preliminary examination was held in the district court, and the defendant was bound over to circuit court for trial. Littleton then brought a motion to quash in the Circuit Court, Judge Vonda Evans denied this motion. Littleton then filed an appeal with the State Court of Appeals which ruled the terrorism charge could proceed. Littleton then filed an appeal with the State Supreme Court, they decided not to hear the request and it was sent back to trial court.
"I certainly want to thank and acknowledge the work of Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette and his staff," said Detroit Police Chief James Craig. "Any violence directed towards a police officer is a crime and should be taken very seriously. A threat against a police officer is a threat against all of us. When left unchecked it gives the perception that it's acceptable and can send the wrong message to those who want to harm us."
Between July 8-9, 2016, Littleton allegedly posted numerous direct threats to law enforcement officers on social media. With more than 500 Facebook friends, Littleton's posts received attention and were reported to the Dearborn Police Department by a Michigan resident.
The Dearborn Police Department then issued a Law Enforcement Information Network message to all area law enforcement agencies indicating that a significant threat had been made to the lives of police officers.
The suspect had described himself as a "Former Killing Machine at United States Marine Corps" on social media, and has a valid Concealed Pistol License and owns a Smith and Wesson .45 caliber firearm.
Craig brought the case to Schuette for review after law enforcement agencies in multiple counties responded to the threats. Upon learning of the threats, more than a dozen police officers from multiple police agencies searched for Littleton.
On July 7, 2016, a day before Littleton made his threats, the Federal Bureau of Investigation sent a nationwide bulletin to law enforcement warning of online messaging that could inspire attacks against police.
Published: Thu, Feb 08, 2018
