Washington Twp. man to stand trial for alleged violent threats to officials

George Hamas, 57, of Washington Township, who waived a preliminary examination Tuesday, was bound over to stand trial for allegedly threatening a number of elected officials in Shiawassee County, according to the Michigan Attorney General’s Office.

Hamas is alleged to have sent a number of messages to public officials in the county threatening death and specific violent acts upon them, via both social media messages and telephone voicemails in June of 2022.

He is charged with four counts of false report or threat of terrorism and two counts of use of a computer to commit a crime, and if convicted could be incarcerated for up to 20 years in prison.

“Instances of violent threats and even death threats made to public officials are occurring at increasing and alarming rates,” Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said in a press release. “The Hate Crimes and Domestic Terrorism Unit in my department stands ready to prosecute these very serious crimes, but it is also crucial that local authorities take these threats seriously, as they did here. We will not stand by and watch this behavior become a normal expectation for public servants and elected officials.”

Hamas is scheduled to appear in the 35th Circuit Court in Shiawassee County on March 22. The Hate Crimes and Domestic Terrorism Unit was launched by Attorney General Nessel in 2019.

To report dangerous threats made against public officials, contact your local police department first and then the department via email or at 313-456-0040.