San Francisco: A US man accused of
targeting House Speaker Nancy Pelosi over her support for
President Barack Obama's health care reform pleaded not guilty
Monday to making harassing and threatening phone calls.
Gregory Giusti, 48, admitted that he had made at least
48 phone calls to Pelosi's homes in Washington and San
Francisco, as well as her offices, threatening to burn down
her houses if health care reform passed.
Under federal law, Giusti could face a two-year jail
term and a fine of 250,000 dollars if convicted on one charge
of making harassing and threatening phone calls to a
government official.
His next court appearance was scheduled for Thursday.
Pelosi, 70, a political veteran from San Francisco,
was widely credited with the successful passing of Obama's
historic health care revamp last month.
The aftermath of the legislative landmark was marked
by threats and violence aimed at several Democratic
politicians.
PTI
First Published: Tuesday, April 20, 2010, 17:53