A Rochester man has been sentenced to nearly two years in federal prison for threatening a Rochester police officer following his arrest last year.
U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo on Wednesday announced that 38-year-old Orlando Justice was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Meredith A. Vacca to 21 months in prison after being convicted of transmitting threatening communications in interstate commerce.
According to federal prosecutors, the case stemmed from Justice’s arrest on November 23, 2024. Authorities said a Rochester police officer involved in the arrest transported Justice, who was allegedly intoxicated, to Strong Memorial Hospital.
While at the hospital, prosecutors said Justice threatened the officer, stating he would go to the officer’s home and injure him. Justice was later charged with trespassing and resisting arrest and issued an appearance ticket.
The following day, prosecutors said Justice repeatedly contacted the officer through cellular calls and FaceTime. During one of the calls, Justice allegedly told the officer, “I told you that I would find you,” while also claiming to know the officer’s personal information and home address.
Authorities said Justice further warned the officer that he had “messed with the wrong one” and described himself as “a different breed of human.” Prosecutors said Justice also demanded the names of other officers involved in the arrest and encouraged friends to repeatedly contact the officer as well.
A few hours later, Justice allegedly called the officer again using the name “John Doe” before the officer ended the call and instructed him not to contact him again.
Federal prosecutors said Justice continued the harassment the following day by sending text messages to the officer, including one that stated, “Don’t get scared now.”
The fact that a defendant has been convicted is established in court proceedings.
