Will YOU HELP US TO GROW? PLEASE SUBSCRIBE!  IT'S FREE!   

A Windsor man will spend over a year in federal prison after posting violent threats online and attempting to extort disability benefits from the Social Security Administration through intimidation.

Michael Andrew Rodgers, 32, received a 15-month prison sentence today in federal court in Springfield, followed by three years of supervised release. Judge Mark G. Mastroianni handed down the sentence after Rodgers pleaded guilty in November 2025 to threatening interstate communications and extortionate interstate communications.

The Medical Practice Threat

On April 5, 2023, Rodgers targeted a Springfield medical practice by posting a threatening message on its Google review page. The post warned that staff members would face consequences and included specific language about arriving at the facility armed.

"They gonna get what's coming soon. Will be there in the morning to get them myself one way or another. Locked and loaded," Rodgers wrote. He accompanied the text with an image showing a hand holding a firearm.

The threat forced the medical practice to take security precautions and left staff members fearful for their safety.

Extortion Attempt Against Social Security Administration

One year later, on April 6, 2024, Rodgers escalated his threatening behavior by submitting violent messages through the Social Security Administration's fraud reporting website. His goal was to force the agency to approve disability benefits through intimidation.

The submission contained graphic threats of mass violence, including references to harming children and targeting federal employees. Rodgers demanded immediate payment of benefits and warned that he possessed weapons authorities could not locate.

The threats specifically mentioned targeting schools and federal workers if his demands were not met. Federal investigators took the threats seriously given their explicit nature and the defendant's demonstrated willingness to follow through on online intimidation.

Investigation and Arrest

Federal authorities arrested Rodgers in September 2024, more than a year after his initial threat against the medical practice. The investigation involved coordination between multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, Massachusetts State Police, Springfield Police Department, Windsor Police Department, and Federal Protective Service.

The Social Security Administration's Office of Inspector General played a key role in investigating the extortion attempt, as threats against federal agencies and their employees fall under federal jurisdiction.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

Rodgers faced two federal charges under Title 18 of the United States Code. The first count, threatening interstate communications, addresses his Google review post targeting the medical practice. The second count, extortionate interstate communications, relates to his attempt to force the Social Security Administration to provide benefits through threats of violence.

Both charges carry maximum penalties of up to five years in federal prison. Judge Mastroianni's sentence of 15 months represents a significant reduction from the statutory maximum, likely reflecting Rodgers' guilty plea and cooperation with authorities.

The three-year supervised release period following his prison term will include conditions designed to prevent future threatening behavior and monitor his online activity.

Federal Response to Online Threats

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the sentencing alongside Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Boston Division, and Amy Connelly, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration's Office of Inspector General in Boston.

Special Assistant United States Attorney James J. Nagelberg of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case, emphasizing the federal government's commitment to pursuing individuals who use online platforms to threaten violence or attempt extortion.

The case demonstrates how federal authorities treat online threats as serious criminal conduct, particularly when they target healthcare facilities, government agencies, or involve attempts to extort benefits or services through intimidation.

Federal law enforcement agencies have increased their focus on prosecuting online threats in recent years as social media and review platforms have become common venues for individuals to post threatening content. The interstate nature of internet communications brings these cases under federal jurisdiction, allowing for more severe penalties than similar state-level charges.