BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — A Virginia man is accused of making death threats against Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey and his family.
Investigators say Jacob Devan, 20, sent threatening messages to Ivey via Facebook, including alleged statements saying he knows where the sheriff lives and threats to his family.
Investigators say the threats were prompted by comments Ivey made during a press conference, though the specific remarks have not been disclosed.
But just two days before the threats, Sheriff Ivey appeared alongside the Florida Attorney General during a press conference ahead of planned National No Kings Day protests.
While emphasizing the importance of peaceful demonstration, Ivey issued a stern warning to anyone considering violence. Agent Joshua Strait with the Brevard County Sheriff’s office told a judge, “We have been receiving a number of complaints related to comments that the sheriff had made during a press conference, nationally and internationally. With those comments, though, Mr. Devan’s were different. His were very direct. They were vile messages.”
They read:
“I hope you go to hell I hope your family hates you you are disgraceful killing innocent people”
“I hope you die”
“I will kill you and your family”
“I’ll send my beautiful big dog on your kids”
“To tear them up”
“I’ll shoot you until you won’t breathe Anymore,”
“I know where you live.”
Devan turned himself in to the county jail Wednesday after his mother drove him from Virginia.
He has leaded not guilty to charges of written/electronic threatening to kill or harm someone and using a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony.
He is currently being held on $150,000 bail and has been ordered to stay off social media and avoid contact with any public officials.
Devan will be allowed to return to Virginia if he posts bail.
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