At a Glance
- Miles Basurto, a 48-year-old man, was arrested on Friday for threatening a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge.
- He faces felony charges of threatening state officials or judges, threatening a public officer, criminal threats, and stalking, with a temporary restraining order in effect.
- A court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday, and it is not yet known whether he has legal representation.
Why it matters: Threats against judges undermine the independence of the judiciary and trigger swift law-enforcement action.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department announced that a 48-year-old man has been arrested on felony charges after a threat was made against a judge. The arrest, which occurred on Friday, led investigators to the suspect, Miles Basurto, who now faces multiple counts related to threatening officials and stalking. A court date has been set for Tuesday, but details about the threat and whether Basurto has an attorney remain unclear.
Arrest and Initial Investigation
The Sheriff’s Department’s Security Operations Unit received a report of a threat aimed at a judge. The unit’s role is to monitor and respond to potential dangers to public officials. Upon learning of the threat, investigators traced the source to Basurto, who was taken into custody on Friday. The arrest was made on suspicion of threatening an elected official, a serious offense under state law.
- The suspect was identified by name in the department’s public statement.
- No further details about the content or delivery of the threat were released at the time of the arrest.
- The department emphasized that the threat was taken seriously and warranted immediate action.
Charges and Legal Context
Basurto has been charged with several felony counts:
| Charge | Description | Potential Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Threatening state officials or judges | A felony for making threats against a judge | Not specified in the release |
| Threatening a public officer | A felony for threatening a public officer | Not specified |
| Criminal threats | A felony for making threats to an individual | Not specified |
| Stalking | A felony for repeated unwanted contact | Not specified |
| Temporary restraining order | Court order preventing contact with the judge | Enforced until court hearing |
The temporary restraining order was issued immediately after the arrest, preventing Basurto from approaching the judge or any related court personnel. The order remains in effect until the court hearing on Tuesday.
The charges reflect the seriousness with which the justice system treats threats against judicial officers. Under California law, such offenses can carry significant prison time and fines, though the exact penalties were not disclosed in the department’s statement.
Court Proceedings and Next Steps
A hearing is scheduled for Tuesday at the Los Angeles County Superior Court. The court has not yet announced whether Basurto will appear with counsel or whether he has retained an attorney. The lack of immediate legal representation could influence the proceedings, as the suspect may be required to enter a plea or be held without bail.
- The court will determine whether to grant bail or keep Basurto in custody pending trial.
- If bail is denied, the temporary restraining order will likely remain in effect.
- The judge will also assess the severity of the threat and the potential risk to the judiciary.
The sheriff’s department has stated that it will cooperate fully with the court and provide any additional evidence needed to support the charges.
Impact on Judicial Security
This incident underscores the vulnerability of judges to threats from the public. While the details of the threat remain undisclosed, the swift response by the Sheriff’s Department demonstrates the protocols in place to protect judicial officers.
- Security measures for judges often include personal protection officers and secure courthouse perimeters.
- Threats can lead to increased surveillance and changes in court schedules to mitigate risk.
- The issuance of a temporary restraining order is a common tool to prevent further contact and ensure safety.
The incident also highlights the role of law-enforcement agencies in monitoring potential threats. The Security Operations Unit’s ability to trace the threat to an individual and act quickly is critical in preventing harm to the judicial system.
Key Takeaways
- Miles Basurto was arrested on Friday for threatening a judge, facing multiple felony charges.
- A temporary restraining order is in effect, restricting his contact with the judge until the court hearing on Tuesday.
- The case illustrates the seriousness of threats against judicial officers and the swift legal measures taken to protect them.
