Federal officials have accused a South Carolina man of threatening a former US assistant attorney who sued members of the white nationalist group Proud Boys.
James Giannakos Jr., of Gilbert, SC, left a series of voicemails last month threatening that the former federal prosecutor, his family and his co-workers would be in “danger” if something happened to the Proud Boys leader, Enrique Tarrio, according to court documents filed this week.
The Lexington County unemployed blamed the unnamed former prosecutor for leaking to the press that Tarrio was an FBI informant, transcripts of his voicemail messages show.
“I just wanted to let you know that if anything happens to Mr. Enrique Tarrio, the same thing will happen to you and your family,” said Giannakos in one of the voicemails, according to the sworn statement from an FBI agent. . “I don’t believe that you disclosed the information (of the confidential informant), if that is true. If anything happens to him, I promise you and your associates will pay for it. You will be held responsible. “
Giannakos was easy to track, according to court documents.
He called the law firms of the former prosecutor on the phone of a woman he lives with. And he started one of the voice messages saying, “My name is James”, show the transcripts.
Giannakos left similar voice messages with the former attorney’s current law firm, calling his offices in Miami, Orlando, Tampa and Los Angeles, according to the FBI complaint.
He was arrested earlier this month by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force.
News of his arrest was first reported by The State newspaper.
Giannakos has already been convicted of assault and battery of a serious and aggravated nature, according to an FBI report.
This story is developing and will be updated.
Reach Avery Wilks at 803-374-3115. Follow him on Twitter at @AveryGWilks.