A Colorado man appeared in U.S. District Court in Denver on Monday after he and his father were charged with threatening to assault, murder or kidnap U.S. Rep. Bart Stupak, D-Mich.
David Hesch, 50, of Loveland is accused of helping his 73-year-old father send a threatening letter to Stupak because they were upset over Stupak’s decision to vote in favor of the health care reform bill.
The rambling letter was addressed to the Stupak family and signed “The Devil Within.” The writer threatened to injure Stupak and his family for Stupak’s support of the legislation.
In the letter, the writer tells Stupak that “actions and decisions carry consequences” and asks if Stupak’s wife, his son Ken and his family are prepared for those consequences.
“I will paint the Mackinaw Bridge with the blood of you and your family members,” the letter says. “I will not say when and with who, but I will save your blood for the high towers toward the end of this project.”
Stupak told the FBI that one of his most vocal critics was Russell Hesch, who had e-mailed his office at least 55 times beginning in 2003.
Stupak initially opposed the health care reform bill over the possibility of federally funded abortions but later voted in favor of the legislation.
Russell Hesch lives in West Branch, Mich., and his first appearance in federal court was Monday in Bay City.
Federal prosecutors say Russell Hesch e-mailed his son the threatening letter and asked him to mail it from Denver to Stupak’s office so it couldn’t be traced.
Russell Hesch at first denied sending the letter when interviewed by the FBI but later provided a signed statement admitting he was the author and that he asked his son to send his e-mail to Stupak.
The Hesches face up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine if they are convicted.
Felisa Cardona: 303-954-1219 or fcardona@denverpost.com
