Dover Man Arrested For Threatening Emails Directed At Governor

Dover – The Delaware State Police have arrested a 50-year-old Dover man for several harassment charges after he was responsible for sending a series of emails that directed alarming and offensive statements towards Governor Jack Markell.

The investigation began after representatives from the Governor's office alerted state police about receiving alarming emails that were sent to the cost saving suggestion public mailbox on Sunday, March 22, 2009. This public mailbox, which is located at Delaware.gov -- the Official Website of the First State, was developed for citizens to share their suggestions, publicly or anonymously, on ways Governor Markell’s administration can reduce costs and increase fiscal responsibility.

The ensuing investigation by DSP Troop 3 Major Crime’s detectives revealed that several emails made alarming statements that caused concern for the safety of the Governor, which prompted officials to retrieve the internet protocol (IP) address from the sent email. Records obtained by detectives from the High Technology Crimes Unit (HTCU) revealed the IP address was assigned to Comcast Cable Internet Service. A subsequent subpoena directed to Comcast to retrieve the subscriber information on the Comcast account revealed Steven R. Lenhart, 50 of Dyke Branch Road, Dover was the registered user.

On Saturday, March 28, several additional emails were sent to the cost saving suggestion public mailbox where additional threats were made. These emails were linked to the same IP address as Lenhart.

Today, detectives executed a search warrant at Lenhart’s residence and seized a home computer. Additionally, detectives learned Lenhart was employed as a correctional officer for the State of Delaware. DSP detectives contacted him and learned he was responsible for sending the emails. He was taken into custody without incident.

As a result of the investigation, Lenhart was arrested for ten misdemeanor counts of Harassment. He was released after posting a $10,000 secured bail and ordered to have no contact with the Governor. Please be advised this is an ongoing investigation and no further information will be provided at this time.

Note: Questions regarding Lenhart’s employment can be directed to Mr. John Painter of the Department of Corrections. He can be reached at 302.857.5232.