Amherst man accused of threatening 6 members of Congress is ordered held pending trial
CONCORD – A federal judge on Thursday ordered Ryder Winegar, the Amherst man accused of threatening members of Congress in December, detained as his case moves forward in U.S. District Court.
In a 22-page order, U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrea K. Johnstone agreed with prosecutors that Winegar, 33, would pose a risk of flight and present a danger to the community if he were released pending trial.
The complaint filed in federal court alleges that Winegar, on Dec. 16 and 17, left threatening voicemails at the offices of six members of Congress.
In some of the messages, Winegar, whose most recent address is 35 Juniper Drive, identified himself by name or gave his telephone number, according to U.S. Attorney Scott W. Murray.
“The voicemails threatened to hang the members of Congress if they did not ‘get behind Donald Trump,'” Murray said.
In one message, according to Murray, Winegar allegedly said, “I got some advice for you. Here’s the advice, Donald Trump is your president.
“If you don’t get behind him, we’re going to hang you until you die,” Winegar allegedly said.
Dean Shalhoup may be reached at 594-1256 or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.