Garrett Park, Maryland, December 23, 2025
Clift Seferlis from Garrett Park, Maryland, has pleaded guilty to sending threatening communications to numerous Jewish organizations across several states. Facing 17 counts of mailing threats and obstruction of religious beliefs, he could receive a maximum sentence of 169 years in prison and substantial fines. Seferlis targeted over 25 institutions, instilling fear through threats of violence. His sentencing is set for March 16, 2026, amid concerns over antisemitism in America.
Garrett Park, Maryland
Maryland Man Pleads Guilty to Threatening Jewish Institutions
Clift Seferlis, 55, of Garrett Park, Maryland, has pleaded guilty to sending threatening communications to over 25 Jewish organizations across multiple states, including Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Massachusetts. The charges include 17 counts of mailing threatening communications and eight counts of obstruction of the free exercise of religious beliefs. Seferlis faces a maximum penalty of 169 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $5,650,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for March 16, 2026.
Details of the Threats
Between March 2024 and June 2025, Seferlis mailed at least 40 letters and two postcards to various Jewish institutions, which included synagogues, museums, community centers, schools, nonprofit organizations, and even a delicatessen. These communications contained threats to destroy buildings and harm individuals, with some letters referencing dangerous weapons, fire, or explosives. Notably, one letter addressed to a Philadelphia-based Jewish institution made a reference to “Kristallnacht,” the 1938 Nazi pogrom against Jews. Seferlis admitted to the FBI that he intended to intimidate and threaten the recipients of these mailings.
Investigation and Arrest
The investigation was a collaborative effort involving the FBI Philadelphia and Baltimore Field Offices, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Montgomery County (Md.) Police Department, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland’s Greenbelt office. The Anti-Defamation League, Secure Community Network, and Delaware Valley Intelligence Center also provided assistance. Seferlis was arrested in June 2025 and has been in custody since then.
Background
Seferlis is scheduled for sentencing on March 16, 2026. He faces a maximum penalty of 169 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $5,650,000 fine. The case underscores the ongoing threat of antisemitic actions targeting religious communities across the United States and highlights the need for vigilant protection of freedoms associated with religious observance and community expression.
FAQ
What charges has Clift Seferlis pleaded guilty to?
Clift Seferlis has pleaded guilty to 17 counts of mailing threatening communications and eight counts of obstruction of the free exercise of religious beliefs.
What is the maximum penalty Seferlis faces?
Seferlis faces a maximum penalty of 169 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $5,650,000 fine.
When is Seferlis’s sentencing scheduled?
Sentencing is scheduled for March 16, 2026.
What types of institutions did Seferlis target?
Seferlis targeted various Jewish institutions, including synagogues, museums, community centers, schools, nonprofit organizations, and a delicatessen.
What was the nature of the threats sent by Seferlis?
The threats included intentions to destroy buildings and harm individuals, with some referencing dangerous weapons, fire, or explosives. One letter referenced “Kristallnacht,” the 1938 Nazi pogrom against Jews.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Clift Seferlis, 55, of Garrett Park, Maryland |
| Charges | 17 counts of mailing threatening communications, 8 counts of obstruction of the free exercise of religious beliefs |
| Maximum Penalty | 169 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release, $5,650,000 fine |
| Sentencing Date | March 16, 2026 |
| Targeted Institutions | Over 25 Jewish organizations, including synagogues, museums, community centers, schools, nonprofit organizations, and a delicatessen |
| Threats | Intentions to destroy buildings and harm individuals, with references to dangerous weapons, fire, or explosives; one letter referenced “Kristallnacht” |
| Investigation | Collaborative effort involving FBI Philadelphia and Baltimore Field Offices, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Montgomery County (Md.) Police Department, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland’s Greenbelt office, Anti-Defamation League, Secure Community Network, and Delaware Valley Intelligence Center |
| Arrest | June 2025 |
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