Federal authorities have arrested Jackson Fleming, a 23-year-old resident of Chesterton, Indiana, in connection with an alleged online threat sent via a social media application related to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. The incident reportedly took place on September 11, 2025.
A federal magistrate judge in the Northern District of Indiana approved a complaint charging Fleming with one count of transmitting a threat in interstate communication. He was taken into custody on September 12 in Indiana and appeared before the court for his initial hearing on September 15.
The announcement came from Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland; M. Scott Proctor, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana; Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the FBI Baltimore Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley of the FBI Indianapolis Field Office.
Authorities clarified that “a complaint is not evidence of guilt and is a temporary charge that must be followed by information or an indictment that formally brings federal charges.” If formal charges are brought and Fleming is convicted, he could face up to five years in federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Hayes acknowledged the work done by multiple agencies during this investigation: “U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI for its work in the investigation. Additionally, Ms. Hayes praised the Porter County Sheriff’s Office, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and the United States Naval Academy for their assistance with the investigation.” She also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis Sohn for prosecuting this case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert I. Goldaris for providing assistance.
More information about ongoing priorities and resources available from the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office can be found at https://justice.gov/usao-md and https://justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
