A Rochester, Ill., man has been arrested and charged by criminal complaint with making a threatening communication against U.S. Congressman Rodney
Davis.
Randall E. Tarr, 64, of the 200 block of E. Mill St., Rochester, Ill., was
arrested today and appeared in federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Tom
Schanzle-Haskins in Springfield.
In a press release today by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Central District of Illinois in Springfield, the affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint alleges that in the morning of Nov. 25, 2019, Tarr called the Decatur, Ill., office of Congressman Davis and left a profanity-filled voicemail message in which he threatened to shoot the
congressman.
According to the affidavit, the voicemail message was forwarded to U.S. Capitol
Police, in Washington, D.C.who through caller ID, identified Tarr as the alleged
caller. U.S. Capitol Police contacted the Rochester Police Department to ask
officers to make contact with Tarr.
Rochester police officers made initial contact with Tarr on Nov. 25, at his residence. According to the affidavit, FBI officers subsequently interviewed Tarr.
The complaint charges Tarr with one count of communication of a threat to injure a
person, which is punishable by up to five years in prison, and one count of making a
threat to a federal official, which carries a statutory maximum penalty of up to 10
years in prison.
During today’s hearing, Judge Schanzle-Haskins appointed the federal public defender
to represent Tarr for purposes of determining bond. Tarr was released from custody
under conditions, including home detention and location monitoring; prohibited
contact with any victims and witnesses; prohibited from consumption of alcohol; and
further, that Tarr cooperate in drug and alcohol screening and mental health
evaluation.
Judge Schanzle-Haskins scheduled the next court appearance for Tarr on Dec. 17, 2019.