Michigan man pleads no contest to sending threatening emails to Gov. Whitmer

LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – A Michigan man pleaded no contest to sending threatening emails to Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

Jason Tolonen, a 51-year-old from Westland, pleaded no contest to one count of Using a Computer to Commit a Crime and one count of Malicious Use of a Telecommunications Services.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said Tolonen repeatedly sent “nonsensical, harassing, racist, and threatening” emails to Whitmer’s constituent portal for years.

In November 2023, Michigan State Police searched Tolonen’s home after a threat to “assassinate the president or your governor.” Tolonen admitted to sending the messages. Nessel said he resumed sending similar emails in February 2024.

“Elected officials deserve to serve Michiganders free of fear, and violent threats directed at public servants cannot be normalized,” said Nessel. “I commend Michigan State Police for taking these threats seriously, and my department remains committed to prosecuting these disturbing offenses.”

Tolonen will be required to attend Alcoholics Anonymous and refrain from repeated, unwanted contact with any individual, business or governmental entity. Nessel said he would also submit to mental health and substance abuse evaluations, and any recommendation would be incorporated into his sentence.

He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 12 at 9 a.m.

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