U.S. citizen charged with death threats targeting Justin Trudeau makes court appearance from London, Ont.
A U.S. citizen charged with threatening death or bodily harm to Justin Trudeau made a virtual court appearance from a London jail Friday.
Jeremy Joseph, 40 — who is living in Sarnia, Ont. — was arrested on Feb. 4, 2023 after Sarnia police were notified of emails containing threats.
He’s charged with uttering threats to cause death related to the prime minister of Canada, citizens of Sarnia, and one count of uttering threats to damage of property (City of Sarnia).
Joseph — representing himself — told the court he worked on Wall Street in New York City, and studied business at Stanford University as well as bioengineering in Seattle and in Houston at Rice University.
The Houston native described himself as a “refugee in Canada” and said he “fled the United States for fear of my life and persecution.”
Jeremy Joseph faces multiple charges including uttering threats to cause death related to the prime minister of Canada. (Source: LinkedIn) He's been living in Sarnia for nearly six months after entering the country in Windsor.
He also faces charges in multiple states south of the border.
Appearing via video in a Sarnia court, Joseph told Justice Kelly Tranquilli that allegations by the attorney general through the U.S. are “riddled with incorrect information.”
“As I go through this extradition process, I think my major concerns are I just don't have a lot of visibility of exactly what's going on,” said Joseph, referring to being in EMDC [Elgin Middlesex Detention Centre]. “I'm learning about new charges in New York when I've been in Canada for the last seven months.”
He also made claims that his bail hearing earlier this month felt like there was collusion between the U.S. and the attorney general.
“I had major concerns because it felt like a script that was being provided directly from the United States,” said Joseph.
He expressed difficulties as a self-represented litigant from inside EMDC claiming he feels like he is operating in a vacuum.
Jeremy Joseph appeared virtually in a Sarnia, Ont. courtroom on March 31, 2023. (File)"I think the concern here is I've asked for duty counsel,” said Joseph.
He added, “I've reached out to the social worker to get into direct contact with the attorney general and have not heard anything back from that. I've asked for legal documentation, rules of evidence, civil court and procedure, the Refugee and Immigration Act, motion templates, even Canadian case law, and I've not yet gotten access to any of those things.”
He's admits to battling mental health challenges after he said his mother was murdered and his identity was stolen by his cousin.
He claims his estate of over $400,000 has been wiped out after “being taken advantage of by lawyers.”
The extradition documents have not yet come in, so this case has been adjourned to April 20.
Kandia Aird, counsel representing the attorney general, has agreed to get Joseph all necessary documents via courier as soon as they receive record of the case.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
Soft skills, preparation can help new graduates land jobs, experts say
As new graduates enter the workforce over the next few weeks, they are likely to face challenges getting their foot in the door and must be prepared to effectively communicate what they bring to the company.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.