NY Mom Sent Death Threats to Little League Coach

By Edward Tan, JD on May 17, 2012 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

For some mothers, their dedication to their children has no bounds. A New York mom who sent death threats after her son was excluded from a Little League travel team has been sentenced to 60 days in jail and five years of probation, Newsday reports.

Janet Chiauzzi, 45, wrote threatening letters to John DeMasi, a Little League official, when her son failed to make it onto the team's summer roster. She also sent threats to DeMasi's wife and son, who was 10 years old at the time. One letter read that "if something terrible happens" to DeMasi's family, the son could blame his father.

The judge called Chiauzzi's actions "despicable." But while her sentence was steep, it could've been a lot worse.

Chiauzzi plead guilty to six misdemeanors and two felonies. The latter two offenses were second-degree stalking and first-degree filing of a false instrument.

In New York, both offenses are Class E felonies and carry potential sentences of up to four years imprisonment. Had the judge been so inclined, he could've sent Chiauzzi away for much longer.

Second-degree stalking is when a defendant displays or threatens to use any deadly weapon in the course of stalking. It can also occur if the victim is under age 14 and the alleged stalker is over 21 years old. The latter appears to be applicable to Chiauzzi's case.

The mother of two also had three other charges against her, but they were dismissed. She was also ordered to pay restitution and is barred from contacting DeMasi and his family.

However, Chiauzzi appears remorseful for her behavior. Prior to sentencing, she asked for the victims' forgiveness and stated her wish to take her actions back. Hopefully, this mom has learned death threats aren't the way to get your kid on a summer Little League team.

Related Resources:

Copied to clipboard