A Las Vegas man is facing federal charges after being indicted for sending threatening text messages that spanned across state lines. Idriss Qibaa, 28, has been charged with two counts of interstate communications, the United States Attorney's Office announced.
According to United States Attorney's Office, the series of events began on July 19, when Qibaa allegedly used his phone to send messages that threatened to harm a victim and their family members residing in California. A second round of threatening messages was sent on July 24, this time to a different victim. The texts purportedly contained threats to injure and kill the individuals targeted.
Qibaa was previously charged on July 23, by a criminal complaint before being indicted. He is currently being held in custody. The arraignment and plea hearing are set before United States Magistrate Judge Brenda N. Weksler for the upcoming Friday, August 16.
If convicted on these charges, Qibaa could face up to five years in prison and a fine of $250,000 on each count. Sentencing, however, will be determined by a federal district court judge, taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and FBI's Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans presided over the announcement of the indictment.
The ongoing investigation is a collaborative effort between the FBI Las Vegas Field Office and the Beverly Hills Police Department. It is essential to note that an indictment is not a conviction; it is merely an allegation. Therefore, Qibaa remains innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
