'Sue her for execution': Lee County man arrested for threatening judge in lawsuit

LEE COUNTY, Fla. —

A Lee County man is facing felony charges after investigators say he used the court system to formally demand the death of a local judge.

Joshua Michael Rodriguez, 38, was arrested Monday by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Intelligence Unit. He is charged with sending written threats to kill or do bodily harm.

According to an arrest report, the investigation began when staff at Community Assisted Supported Living Inc. (CASL) tipped off deputies that a client had filed a disturbing lawsuit with the Lee County Clerk of Courts.

Investigators say Rodriguez filed a complaint containing explicit threats against a sitting 20th Judicial Circuit Court Judge. In the public filing, Rodriguez allegedly wrote that he wanted a trial against the judge to "sue her for treason and her execution."

The report states Rodriguez made references to Puerto Rico, Second Amendment rights, and "any and all government officials and entities my militia desires."

The Arrest

When Intelligence Unit detectives executed a warrant at Rodriguez’s residence, they detained him and seized a laptop found on a TV tray in the living room.

Detectives say the computer was open to a Word document addressed to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. A preliminary review showed the document contained similar rhetoric to the threats filed against the judge.

During an interview with detectives, Rodriguez reportedly confirmed he intended to post the letter to the Governor once it was completed.

Rodriguez remains in the Lee County Jail.

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