San Diego man faces federal charges over threatening anti-LGBTQ+ email

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — A San Diego man is facing federal charges after prosecutors say he sent a threatening email to a member of the LGBTQ+ community who spoke to a reporter following the high-profile, hate-related murder of a Lake Arrowhead business owner last year.

George Joseph Wellinger II, 48, was arrested on Tuesday and pleaded not guilty during his first court appearance to two felony counts of transmitting a threatening communication, according to court documents.

It came about a week after a sealed indictment was filed in federal court against Wellinger by prosecutors with the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California.

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According to prosecutors, the indictment details the email Wellinger is accused of sending the unnamed victim who had been interviewed by a reporter with Nexstar’s KTLA following the murder of 66-year-old Laura Ann Carleton over a Pride flag displayed in her business.

In the email, prosecutors allege Wellinger called the victim “another alphabet clown that wants to take a dirt nap too,” attaching a link to the KTLA report she had been interviewed for regarding the Lake Arrowhead community’s reaction to the fatal shooting.

As prosecutors say is detailed in the indictment, Wellinger went on to add, “We know what you look like and know where are you are….only a matter of time….Love it….get ur ghey on sister….scissor it up….we coming for ur rainbow azz. Click Click!!!!”

It was then forwarded by the victim to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, who launched an investigation into the threat. Prosecutors said they believe the email was a targeted threat based on her sexual orientation.

“Hate crimes are designed terrify both the victim and the community,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath in a statement about the case. “The U. S. Attorney’s Office works tirelessly on prosecuting these cases to send our own message: San Diego is no place for hate.”

A federal judge set Wellinger’s bond at $50,000 and ordered the 48-year-old to be held in home detention during his arraignment Tuesday.

The case against Wellinger is one of several with ties to San Diego regarding crimes based on an anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment that remain ongoing.

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According to the San Diego Police Department, there has been an surge in hate crimes targeting individuals based on their sexual orientation or gender over the last few years, including incidents of vandalism as well as a violent pellet gun attack in Hillcrest earlier this summer.

Federal authorities encourage anyone who believes they may have been the victim of a hate crime to contact FBI investigators using their electronic tip portal or by calling local authorities.

“ … there is no room for hate in our community,” Stacey Moy, Special Agent in Charge for the FBI San Diego Field Office, said in a statement. “Hate crimes remain one of the top FBI priorities and we will continue to protect and safeguard our communities.”

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