Texas Man Arrested for Facebook Threats Against Officials

(KNUE-FM) Most Texans at one time or another will probably disagree with something done by our government or law enforcement officials, but that is no reason to ever make threats online. One Texas man decided to do just that and was arrested after making those threats on Facebook.

Who is the Suspect That Was Making Online Threats?

According to KXAN, 31-year-old Ryan Scott Simpson was arrested and charged with a state jail felony offense of terroristic threat against a peace officer or judge and was being held in the Travis County Jail.

Who Did He Threaten Online?

The Criminal Investigation Division of the Texas Department of Public Safety investigated this case and found several instances of violent threats where Simpson tagged Travis County Court Judge #4 Dimple Malhorta, Governor Greg Abbott, and many other government and law enforcement officials on social media.

There were specific threats made toward the Austin Police Department and Judge Malhorta. With those threats investigators determined there was probable cause that Simpson was intending to cause fear in order to get an outcome he wanted during a pending court case.

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Serious Previous Charges for the Suspect

Simpson had been arrested in 2023 and 2024 both on third-degree felony stalking charges associated with a Texas state house representative. Both of those charges were dropped.

Simpson was on a $3,000 bond when he allegedly committed the latest offense of threatening law enforcement and government officials.

All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Expert Tips for Avoiding Online Shopping Scams

In order to avoid a scammer getting the better of you, check out the following red flags to look out for as well as preventative measures to take from Dr. Skiba, AKA Dr. Fraud himself:

Gallery Credit: Maria Danise

11 Ways to Avoid Getting Ripped Off When Holiday Shopping Online

The world-wide shipping delays have shoppers buying holiday gifts early this year and much of the commerce is happening online. After all, how can you avoid the amazing deals? Now more than ever, these amazing deals are shady transactions that look authentic and safe.

One way to shop safely online is to buy from local vendor websites, or visit sites like Etsy which touts small meaningful gifts, often times created by small businesses and crafters.

The Better Business Bureau recommends online buyers do research before they click the checkout button.

Here are 11 things you can do to avoid getting ripped off online, according to the Better Business Bureau.

Gallery Credit: Bill Keeler

Categories: East Texas News