Full Breakdown
Wisconsin Man Convicted for Orchestrating Death Threat Scheme Against Trump
2/2/2026, 8:43:33 PM
Core Event: Conviction of Demetric Scott
Demetric Scott, a 52-year-old man from Wisconsin, has been convicted of felony identity theft and witness intimidation after orchestrating a scheme to have a Mexican immigrant deported before he could testify against him in a criminal case. Scott duped federal officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, into believing that Ramon Morales Reyes, a dishwasher and father of three, was responsible for sending threatening letters about President Donald Trump.
Background & Context: The Scheme Unfolds
Scott's plot involved forging letters that included threats to kill Trump and to "blow up the White House." He attempted to frame Morales Reyes, who was already facing deportation, as the author of these threats. Scott's actions were motivated by a desire to prevent Morales Reyes from testifying against him in a separate criminal case where Scott was accused of attacking Morales Reyes and stealing his bicycle. The scheme was executed while Scott was incarcerated for the alleged attack.
Key Figures & Groups: Demetric Scott and Ramon Morales Reyes
- Demetric Scott: The convicted individual who orchestrated the death threat scheme. He admitted to writing the letters and sought to have Morales Reyes deported.
- Ramon Morales Reyes: The Mexican immigrant who was falsely accused of sending the threats. He has been in the U.S. since the 1980s and is currently facing deportation proceedings.
Official Statements & Responses
Federal officials, including Kristi Noem, initially reported that Morales Reyes had authored the threatening letters. However, law enforcement sources indicated that they were aware of Scott's deception. Following the conviction, Scott is scheduled for sentencing on February 27, where he faces up to 26 years in prison.
Criticism & Opposition: Concerns Over Misidentification
Critics have raised concerns about the handling of the case by federal officials, particularly regarding the misidentification of Morales Reyes as the author of the threats. Deportation defense attorney Cain Oulahan noted that Morales Reyes has been traumatized by the ordeal, highlighting the potential victimization of individuals caught in such legal battles.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps: Discrepancies in the Investigation
There are discrepancies regarding the timeline of events, particularly concerning the issuance of a search warrant for Scott's jail cell and the subsequent press release from Noem's office. While the press release identified Morales Reyes as the author of the threats, law enforcement sources indicated that they were aware of Scott's guilt prior to this public statement.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I wrote the letters. I don't deny that. I never denied that,” — Demetric Scott
- “He's been traumatized by going through all this, all these different levels that feel like victimization," deportation defense attorney Cain Oulahan told the AP.” — Cain Oulahan, Deportation Defense Attorney
This case underscores the complexities of immigration enforcement and the potential consequences of wrongful accusations in the context of high-stakes legal battles.
