Maryland man sentenced to more than 3 years for threatening Jewish institutions

Luke Tress is The Times of Israel's New York correspondent.

The US Justice Department says a Maryland man has been sentenced to more than three years in prison for threatening Jewish institutions and organizations.

Clift Seferlis, 55, of Garrett Park, Maryland, is sentenced to 37 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $40,000 fine.

In 2024 and 2025, Seferlis sent at least 40 threatening letters and two postcards to more than 25 Jewish institutions, including synagogues, Jewish museums, community centers, schools, nonprofits, and a delicatessen.

The letters, sent via US mail, threatened to destroy buildings and harm individuals, with the intent to intimidate the recipients, the Justice Department says.

Seferlis pleaded guilty to 17 counts of mailing threatening communications and eight counts of obstructing the free exercise of religious beliefs.

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