State House candidate files police report for threatening email

Groton — John Scott, the Republican candidate running against state Rep. Christine Conley for the 40th District House seat, has filed a report with the Town of Groton Police Department after his campaign received a threatening email from an anonymous address.

The nine-sentence message — which had the subject line, “You are the nastiest SOB in the state” — concluded with, “Don’t ever knock on my door. I’ll deck your ass.”

Scott filed the police report on Monday and promptly recorded a brief Facebook Live video outside the police station, informing viewers of the situation.

“Ladies and gentleman, in American society, violence against any politician — whether it’s me or my opponent, Christine Conley — is not acceptable in any way, shape or form,” he said. “It’s the United States of America; we can agree to disagree ... but violence is not appropriate.”

Deputy Chief Paul Gately said the investigation is ongoing. The Day could not obtain a copy of the police report because the investigation is still active.

Scott told The Day on Tuesday that “it’s a little scary,” considering he has many more doors to knock on before Election Day and he is out walking alone. The candidate said he doesn’t want people to be discouraged from running for office if they’re worried about violence.