ANCHORAGE — A man accused of threatening the lives two U.S. senators from Alaska pleaded not guilty Monday. The judge determined that he would remain in custody.
Jay Allen Johnson’s attorney Jason Weiner entered the plea for his client during Johnson’s arraignment at U.S. District Court, Fairbanks.
Johnson greeted Scott Oravec, U.S. Magistrate, at the hearing by saying “Good morning, Happy Thanksgiving” and “I’m sorry I was here today.”
Johnson, who hails from Delta Junction, was arrested last week for six criminal charges. These include threatening to kill a U.S. official and being a felon with firearms.
Because Johnson is a felon and is not allowed to own firearms, the government wants to seize three revolvers, two pistols, and a rifle found on Johnson’s Alaska property.
Johnson could be sentenced to a maximum of 50 years imprisonment and up to $1.5million in fines if convicted, said Ryan Tansey, assistant U.S. attorney.
Johnson was informed by Weiner that he had sought a plea bargain from the government prosecutor.
“But at this stage, he couldn’t give me one. Weiner stated in court that he needs to consult with me.
Oravec ordered Johnson’s detention last Friday to continue at a separate hearing. The judge stated Monday that he did not see any reason to disturb Johnson’s detention at this stage.
Johnson is accused in making threats against U.S. Senators. Both Lisa Murkowski (Republican) and Dan Sullivan (Republican) are accused of making threats against U.S. Sens. Johnson is also accused of threatening to set fire to Murkowski’s properties during a series profanity-laced voice mails that were left at their Washington, D.C. offices over the course of several months before his Oct. 4th arrest.
Johnson stated at an earlier hearing that he was a senior citizen, and that he is disabled. He was a felon due to a 2016 drunk driving conviction. This conviction came after two other drunk driving convictions.
Catherine Pousson Johnson, Johnson’s wife, testified at her husband’s October detention hearing that Johnson was suffering from pain following recent surgeries, and that he gets very angry when he hears politics on the news.