One-time political candidate Michael Protack, 64, was sentenced this week to 12 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Richard G. Andrews on the charge of mailing threatening letters.
According to court documents, Protack used the U.S. mail to send a series of threatening messages to his ex-wife’s attorney.
One message received on January 7, 2021, stated, in part, that the victim should “count on being dead by June 2021. You won’t know when, where or how but your end has been written. Take the time and put your affairs in order because they will not find your body for weeks.” Another note received a couple of months later, contained nothing other than a graphic image of a dead, mutilated body. One of the last threats received by the victim stated, “I drive past your office every day.” Protack was arrested on June 11, 2021.
In handing down his sentence, Judge Andrews described Mr. Protack’s conduct as a “campaign of terror” and noted the lengths to which he went to conceal his identity as the perpetrator. Judge Andrews further noted that this was a “very serious offense” and there was a need for just punishment that would promote respect for the law.
You won’t know when, where or how but your end has been written. Take the time and put your affairs in order because they will not find your body for weeks.” –
Protack’s letter to ex-wife’s attorney
U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “Mr. Protack’s repeated threats to murder another human being is, indeed, a very serious offense, and the court’s sentence reflects that fact. My office is dedicated to obtaining justice for victims of violent crime and holding the perpetrators of these crimes accountable. I want to thank the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the FBI for their diligence in investigating this case and helping bring Mr. Protack to justice.”
“The FBI is committed to working with our local, state, and federal partners to reduce violence in the community and keep the citizens of Delaware safe,” said Thomas J. Sobocinski, special agent in charge of the FBI Baltimore Field Office. “We want the public to know the FBI does not tolerate any threat to life and will continue to hold those like Mr. Protack who violate federal law accountable.”
The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the FBI’s Delaware Violent Crime and Safe Streets Taskforce in the Wilmington Resident Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Briana Knox prosecuted the case.
Protack, an airline pilot who resided in Hockessin for many years, was active in Republican party circles and was a frequent candidate for public office in Delaware.
The Domestic Violence Hotline is a resource for victims of domestic abuse. All hotline numbers are confidential, available 24/7, and staffed by trained professionals who assist with safety planning and resource referrals. Services are available to victims who do not speak English or who are hearing impaired (for Delaware Relay Services, dial 711). New Castle County 302-762-6110 (English and bilingual); Kent and Sussex Counties 302-422-8058; 302-745-9874 (bilingual). TTY 1-800-232-5460.
