Executive Summary
- Justin J. Wright, 35, of Bay Shore, New York, has been indicted on federal charges including cyberstalking, attempted interstate extortion of a public official, and using fire to commit a federal felony.
- The indictment, announced August 25, 2025, stems from alleged acts in Pensacola, Florida, leading up to June 1, 2024.
- If convicted, Wright faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in federal prison and is scheduled for an initial court appearance on September 10, 2025.
Laws and Precedent
- The defendant has been indicted on federal charges of cyberstalking, attempted interstate extortion of a public official, and using fire to commit a federal felony, highlighting the application of specific federal criminal statutes. These charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years, a provision often found in federal sentencing guidelines for serious offenses, and stem from a grand jury indictment, which is an initial accusation, upholding the fundamental legal principle of the presumption of innocence.
Justin J. Wright, 35, of Bay Shore, New York, has been indicted in federal court on charges including cyberstalking, attempted interstate extortion of a public official, and using fire to commit a federal felony. The indictment, announced Monday, August 25, 2025, by United States Attorney John P. Heekin, stems from alleged criminal acts in Pensacola, Florida, leading up to June 1, 2024.
Charges and Potential Penalties
If convicted on these charges, Wright faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in federal prison. The specific details surrounding the public official targeted in the alleged extortion attempt have not been publicly disclosed.
Upcoming Court Appearance
Wright is scheduled to make his initial appearance and arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Zachary C. Bolitho. This proceeding will take place at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola, Florida, on September 10, 2025, at 1:30 p.m.
Joint Investigation Efforts
The case represents a collaborative investigative effort by several law enforcement agencies. These include the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pensacola Police Department, and the State of Florida’s Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosive Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg is prosecuting the case for the government.
Legal Presumption of Innocence
It is important to note that an indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury, asserting a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law. An indictment does not serve as evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial, during which the government bears the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
