A 31-year-old Orlando man has been arrested after Florida investigators accused him of posting threatening messages online targeting a Jewish community in Glades County.
According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Jerry Sneed was taken into custody on October 28 following an investigation into social media posts that allegedly included threatening statements, photographs identifying the community’s location and an image of a firearm.
Authorities said Sneed possessed the firearm shown in the posts when he was arrested. The case is being prosecuted by the State Attorney’s Office for Florida’s 20th Judicial Circuit.
Investigation Began After Reports of Online Threats
The investigation began on October 19, when FDLE agents in Fort Myers received information about threatening social media messages directed at the Jewish community.
Investigators identified Sneed as the person allegedly responsible for the posts and obtained an arrest warrant. FDLE agents worked with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office to take him into custody in Orlando.
Officials have not publicly released the specific wording of the alleged threats.
Charges Filed Against the Suspect
Sneed faces charges of making written or electronic threats to kill, cause bodily injury, or carry out a mass shooting or act of terrorism, as well as unlawful use of a two-way communication device.
The charges relate to allegations that he used electronic communications to threaten violence against the community.
The investigation remains active. The allegations have not been proven in court, and Sneed is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Jewish Community in Glades County
The alleged threats targeted Lakefront Estates, a developing residential community near Lake Okeechobee in Glades County that is attracting Orthodox Jewish families.
The development covers more than 500 acres and is planned to include approximately 1,300 homes, along with synagogues, religious schools and businesses. It is intended to provide families with housing and access to religious institutions in one location.
The community has drawn attention as some Orthodox Jewish families seek alternatives to the high housing costs and antisemitism they say they have experienced in New York and other northeastern communities.
Authorities Encourage the Public to Report Threats
FDLE officials urged members of the public to report suspicious activity and potential threats.
Anyone with relevant information can contact FDLE through its official website or call 855-FLA-SAFE. Anyone facing an immediate emergency should call 911.
The case highlights the importance of taking threats against religious communities seriously while allowing the legal process to determine the facts and responsibility of the accused.
Credit: Gulf Coast News Now
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