A 53-year-old man from Utica is facing felony and misdemeanor charges after New York State Police say he made violent and racially charged threats over a law enforcement radio channel in Herkimer County.
Stacey Snell was arrested November 26 after troopers linked him to unauthorized transmissions on a public safety frequency used by emergency responders. The investigation began eight days earlier, when a State Police communications vendor reported hearing disturbing messages during routine monitoring in the Town of New Hartford.
According to police, the transmissions included threats of violence and racist language. Troopers from the Marcy Bureau of Criminal Investigation collected recordings and conducted interviews that led them to identify Snell, who has previously been involved in unauthorized radio activity.
Investigators executed a temporary extreme risk protection order at Snell’s home, where they seized a handheld radio believed to have been used in the incident. He was taken into custody without incident.
Snell is charged with making a terroristic threat, a felony, as well as two misdemeanors: aggravated harassment and obstructing governmental administration. He was arraigned in Oneida County CAP Court.
The case remains under investigation, and State Police say more information will be released as it becomes available.
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