Full Breakdown
Wisconsin Man Sentenced for Forging Threats Against Trump
2/28/2026, 5:08:07 AM
Core Event: Sentencing of Demetric DeShawn Scott
Demetric DeShawn Scott, a 52-year-old Wisconsin man, was sentenced to 16½ years in prison for forging threats against President Donald Trump as part of a scheme to have a robbery victim, Ramon Morales Reyes, deported. A Milwaukee County jury convicted Scott of multiple charges, including felony identity theft and witness intimidation, following an incident in September 2023 where he attacked Morales Reyes.
Incident Overview
The case began when Scott, while out on bail for a separate burglary charge, approached Morales Reyes, who was riding his bike in Milwaukee. Scott kicked Morales Reyes off the bike, stabbed him with a box cutter, and fled on the bike. Following this assault, Scott wrote letters impersonating Morales Reyes, threatening to kill Trump at a rally. These letters were sent to state and federal officials, prompting an investigation.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Judge Kristy Yang sentenced Scott to various terms: 1 year and 6 months for identity theft, 5 years for intimidation, and 10 years for reckless endangerment, with 882 days credited for bail jumping. During the trial, it was established that Morales Reyes could not have authored the threatening letters due to his limited English proficiency, and Scott later admitted to writing them himself.
Official Statements & Responses
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem publicly highlighted Morales Reyes' arrest as a significant achievement in the administration's immigration enforcement efforts. However, a disclaimer has since been added to the DHS release regarding Morales Reyes, indicating he is no longer under investigation for the threats against Trump but remains in ICE custody pending deportation.
Criticism & Opposition
Scott maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, claiming his actions were motivated by Morales Reyes' attempts to secure a visa. He expressed no regrets about his actions, stating, “No, I don’t,” when asked about his feelings post-sentencing. Critics of the case may argue that the harsh sentencing reflects broader issues within the immigration enforcement system and the treatment of individuals like Morales Reyes.
Background on Ramon Morales Reyes
Morales Reyes, a Mexican immigrant who moved to the U.S. in the 1980s, has a criminal history that includes multiple illegal entries into the country and various offenses. He is married and has three children who are U.S. citizens. Currently, he is residing with family in Milwaukee and has applied for a U-visa, which allows crime victims to remain in the U.S. while their cases are processed.
What's Next
As Scott serves his sentence, Morales Reyes' legal team plans to seek an order to cancel his deportation. The U-visa application process can take up to eight years, leaving his immigration status uncertain as he navigates the complexities of his situation.
