OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) -- — A former Omaha TV meteorologist is formally charged for threatening to kill the Douglas County Public Health Director amid the Coronavirus outbreak.
Ronald Penzkowski, 57, is charged with felony terroristic threats and misdemeanor stalking.
He also goes by Ron Gerard, and worked as a meteorologist and spokesman for former Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle.
He’s accused of sending 15 emails to Douglas County Health Director Doctor Adi Pour threatening to slit her throat and lynch her over the Coronavirus response. Authorities say he used fake email accounts and they were traced to his phone.
Douglas County Judge Stephanie Hanson sets his bond at $100,000 - 10%.
“It’s a frightening time for people to be in but it’s also all the more frightening when you have someone like a public official with specific threats and who’s out there in the public trying to do her job. It’s very disconcerting,” said Brenda Beadle, Chief Deputy Douglas County Attorney.
His attorney Steve Lefler says he has only traffic tickets for a criminal history and suggested he will get an evaluation.
If convicted, Penzkowski faces up to 3 years in prison for the felony and up to 1 year for the misdemeanor.
