LANSING, Mich. — After purchasing firearms that were later found to be in 30-year-old her son’s possession, a mother is facing charges for lying. Her son, Randall Berka II, who was found to be in possession of 4 of the firearms, is accused of making death threats again Democratic politicians. He was arrested in March and charged with illegally possessing guns.
Federal prosecutors have stated that he made death threats on social media platforms against the president and governor, as well as people in the LGBTQ community.
Officials have said that Michelle Berka knowingly uttered falsehoods when she purchased five guns that were eventually given to another person, according to an indictment unsealed in federal court on Tuesday. Although the indictment dated Aug. 2 does not name the person to whom Berka gave the firearms, her son was arrested in March with four of the same firearms.
Randall Berka II — who resides with his parents — stands accused of having written on a YouTube channel that “biden deserves to die,” in reference to President Joe Biden, and that he was “more than willing tot kill whitmer,” a reference to the governor.
The FBI have said that Randall Berka II was involuntarily committed for mental health care in 2012 and was declared incapacitated. Under this declaration the FBI have further stated that he is barred from possessing guns or ammunition.
Michelle Berka told the FBI in March that her son “scared” her and that he should be arrested and put in prison because she “does not think the mental health treatment is working,” according to a complaint. At that time, the FBI said Michelle Berka had bought three long guns and one handgun for her son.
If convicted, she faces up to 10 years in federal prison.
— with files from upnorthlive.com
