Activists Await Bail Decision After Threats

By: Joe Strupp Although most reporters are accustomed to getting angry phone calls -- sometimes threatening, profanity-laced tirades -- two AIDS activists in San Francisco may have gone too far.

Involving journalists at the San Francisco Chronicle, the case sparked greater concern because it involved editors and reporters being phoned at home, often in the middle of the night, with threats containing the names of spouses and children. "These were scary and unique," said Chronicle Executive Editor Phil Bronstein.

The two suspects, Michael Petrelis and David Pasquarelli, were arrested Nov. 28 and charged with a combined 27 felony and misdemeanor counts, including stalking, criminal conspiracy, and making terrorist threats, according to authorities. The charges stem from phone calls allegedly made to several Chronicle staffers, as well as local public health officials, on Nov. 7 and Nov. 8.

Although the two activists had called the newspaper on occasion for several years to object to coverage of AIDS-related issues, calls objecting to recent stories on syphilis in gay men seemed more threatening. "There was an implication that these calls were more than an overt threat," said Monica Hayde, a Chronicle attorney. "These were worrisome."

The activists allegedly referred to the journalists as "syphilitic bastards" and told the journalists, "[We] know who you are and where you are and we're going to get you," according to court documents.

"It is a crude attempt at intimidation," said Sabin Russell, a 25-year veteran reporter who says he received some of the threatening calls. "The whole thing is kind of sad, but they brought it on themselves."

Attorney Mark Vermeulen, who is representing the defendants, could not be reached for comment Friday.

The Chronicle sought and received a temporary restraining order against the two suspects on Nov. 12. Two weeks later, the criminal charges were filed.

"When calls result in legitimate threats, appropriate action must be taken," said Reg Smith, a spokesman for San Francisco District Attorney Terence Hallinan. "These were legitimate threats."

If convicted on all counts, the defendants could receive as much as eight years in jail, authorities said. Superior Court Judge Julie Teng already indicated how serious she finds the case, setting an unusually high $500,000 bail for each defendant. A preliminary hearing that began Thursday to decide if the two suspects would be held over for trial was still ongoing late Friday.

Whatever the outcome, the case could impact future legal proceedings against readers who object to journalists' reports. "People should realize they can't go around threatening anyone," attorney Hayde said.