ALBANY — A self-described “Chinese Zodiac Killer” who mailed hundreds of threatening letters to recipients including President Joe Biden, Gov. Kathy Hochul and U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik was sentenced to 16 months in federal prison on Wednesday as a judge declined his attorney’s request for time served.
Jesse Bartlett, 46, a former school bus driver from LaFargeville in Jefferson County, told Chief U.S. District Judge Brenda Sannes that he mailed the letters as a publicity stunt for a book he authored that involved the Illuminati conspiracy. He said he believed the book could save society.
“Sadly, I let it get completely out of hand,” Bartlett, clad in an orange Albany County jail outfit, told the judge.
The defendant, who boasted in his letters that he had been a killer, sexual predator and consumer of human flesh, said he never intended to harm anyone. Bartlett said he has a 13-year-old daughter he very much wants in his life.
The judge told Bartlett his crime was inconsistent with his strong support system of friends, but acknowledged he was diagnosed with mental illness and a delusional disorder.
Sannes denied a request by Bartlett’s attorney for a sentence of 10 months’ time served, one year of supervised release and no drug treatment. Instead, she agreed with the prosecution’s recommendation for a 16-month sentence, three years of supervised release and drug treatment. The judge said that Bartlett in recent years has used marijuana and experimented with hallucinogenic drugs such as LSD and psychedelic mushrooms.
Sannes told Bartlett he needed to commit himself to receiving treatment for his mental health.
On Dec. 9, Bartlett pleaded guilty to mailing a threatening communication, which carried a maximum of five years, but 10 to 16 months under sentencing guidelines.
Assistant Federal Public…
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