Delaware County Man Pleads Guilty to Stalking News Personality

Delaware County Man Pleads Guilty to Stalking TV News Personality, Previously Targeted Rep. Madeleine Dean

A Delaware County man who previously admitted to making threatening and lewd calls to U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean has now pleaded guilty in federal court to stalking a Philadelphia television news personality.

According to federal prosecutors, 73-year-old Stephen M. Cilurso of Aldan pleaded guilty Wednesday to one count of stalking by use of the mail and one count of witness tampering. Authorities said Cilurso sent a series of threatening and homophobic letters to the unidentified TV personality over several years, repeatedly mentioning the victim’s spouse and children by name and making disturbing references intended to instill fear.

Court documents state that one of Cilurso’s threats involved releasing snakes around the victim’s home after learning the broadcaster had publicly shared a fear of snakes. Prosecutors wrote, “The defendant thought Victim 1’s fear of snakes was funny, so he began mailing threatening communications.”

Even after law enforcement contacted him about the investigation, prosecutors said Cilurso continued writing letters, this time asking the victim to persuade authorities to drop the case. In one letter, he wrote, “I am the 73-year-old scumbag who wrote you,” while pleading for leniency and offering to donate to the victim’s favorite charity.

Cilurso was previously convicted for leaving threatening and lewd voicemails for Rep. Madeleine Dean during the aftermath of former President Donald Trump’s first impeachment, a case in which he received probation. Prosecutors also noted that he was arrested earlier this year for allegedly making threats against New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill, though the status of that case remains unclear.

Federal sentencing in the Philadelphia stalking case will take place at a later date.

Delaware County Man Pleads Guilty to Stalking TV News Personality, Previously Targeted Rep. Madeleine Dean was originally published on rnbphilly.com