Man to change plea in Craigslist threat case

Man to change plea in Craigslist threat case

PITTSBURGH (AP) — A man charged with threatening a western Pennsylvania police chief on Craigslist is scheduled to change his not guilty plea.

Thirty-year-old Adrian Stock, of Jeannette, acknowledges posting the allegedly illegal message in February 2011 after Irwin police Chief Joseph Pocsatko gave him a $110 ticket for driving while his vehicle’s windows weren’t clear of ice and snow.

Stock has tried to have the charges dismissed claiming the insulting message was an exaggerated complaint and, therefore, free speech not a threat. The message says Stock wanted to use tow chains to drag the chief and his car into a creek and ends with Stock’s desire to send the chief to hell.

Federal court records show Stock intends to change his plea today before a federal judge in Pittsburgh. It’s not clear if he plans to plead guilty or no contest.