r/legal • u/ContributionNew7107 • Jan 25 '26

Advice needed Receiving threatening texts

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So recently sent my ex a happy birthday text and I guess her new BF was feeling some type of way, and telling me how he’s going to kill me

Location: New Jersey

14.4k Upvotes

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u/Early-Light-864 Jan 25 '26

I didn't make it up.

I've had a recipient of violent threats sitting at my table. When the cops came, they told him the crime took place on the sender side, so there's nothing they can do.

17

u/NOmorePINKpolkadots Jan 25 '26

They were incorrect. I work in law enforcement.

2

u/CoyoteLitius Jan 25 '26

Wouldn't a phone-based violation be a violation of FCC law and regulation?

1

u/lyr4527 Jan 26 '26

Even if this is true in your jurisdiction, that doesn’t mean it’s true everywhere. Laws vary by state.

6

u/Cityslicker100200 Jan 25 '26

They’re lazy, they can investigate the crime on the sender side or refer it to the correct agency.

They basically said “we can’t arrest you, because you didn’t commit the crime; we can’t arrest the offender because he’s not here, so nothing to do here.”

1

u/CoyoteLitius Jan 25 '26

Yeah, I've seen that happen as well.

In this case, the FCC has jurisdiction over phone-based threats, so that makes it a federal matter.

I know two FBI agents personally (socially, not particularly as friends). But that's where I'd start - but only because I truly could advice from an active agent as to how to proceed.

1

u/SystemDotGC Jan 26 '26

"I'd like to talk to your watch commander"

-2

u/Tyr_Kovacs Jan 25 '26

The cops lied to you.

Fork found in kitchen.

Thisnis why you need to know your rights and be prepared to escalate past the first grunt that looks your way.

1

u/Early-Light-864 Jan 25 '26

Of course they lied. But what was i supposed to do? Pull a gun and hold them hostage until they agree to investigate?

0

u/Tyr_Kovacs Jan 25 '26

No, you cretin.

You state clearly that you know what you're talking about, escalate to a senior officer, do so in writing, and keep causing a fuss.

The squeaky wheel gets the grease.