Former Soldier From Petaluma Sentenced For Threatening Fellow Military

Crime & Safety

Former Soldier From Petaluma Sentenced For Threatening Fellow Military According to prosecutors, the former soldier posted a YouTube video last year threatening four victims and their families at the army base.

PETALUMA, CA —A federal judge on Thursday handed down a two-year prison sentence to a former U.S. Army soldier from Petaluma convicted of threatening fellow military personnel at a Southern California U.S. Army base, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Federal prosecutors said Christian Ernest Beyer, 42, of Petaluma, posted a three-minute YouTube video last October that included direct threats toward four specific Fort Irwin military personnel and their families.

The Department of Justice said Beyer was formerly stationed at the base in San Bernardino County and was court-martialed in 2021 for assault. He has been in federal custody since November.

The FBI investigated the matter as part of its Los Angeles Joint Terrorism Task Force.

"Today's sentence is a stern reminder that anyone who harms innocent military members and their families will serve jail time," said Akil Davis, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office. "The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force will continue to investigate all threats against those who bravely serve their country."

In June, Beyer pleaded guilty to one count of sending threats by interstate communication.

"Mr. Beyer's desire to carry out violence against members of our military and their families led to a federal prison sentence," said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada. "Our military servicemembers deserve better and we will continue to prosecute those who seek to harm public servants."