Indiana Man Arrested in Connection With Sending Threat Involving the Naval Academy on a Social Media App

Baltimore, Maryland - Federal law enforcement arrested Jackson Fleming, 23, of Chesterton, Indiana, on suspicion of sending an online threat through a social media application connected to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, on September 11, 2025. A magistrate judge approved a complaint charging Fleming with one count of transmitting a threat in interstate communication in the Northern District of Indiana. Authorities arrested Fleming on September 12, in Indiana. He made his initial appearance in the Northern District of Indiana on September 15.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, and M. Scott Proctor, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, announced the arrest with Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) - Baltimore Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O'Malley, FBI - Indianapolis Field Office.

A complaint is not evidence of guilt and is a temporary charge that must be followed by information or an indictment that formally brings federal charges. If formally charged, Fleming faces a maximum of five years in federal prison.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI for its work in the investigation. Additionally, Ms. Hayes praised the Porter County Sheriff's Office, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and the United States Naval Academy for their assistance with the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis Sohn, who is prosecuting this case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert I. Goldaris, who is providing valuable assistance to this case.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney's Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.

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