Former Warwick firefighter charged for sending violent threats

WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE)- A former Warwick firefighter appeared in court on Wednesday for sending violent threats to public officials, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.

Barry J. LaFleur, 57, of Cranston sent thousands of threatening messages by email and online postings mainly to public officials in the City of Warwick.

These messages included threats to ‘kill, shoot, commit work-place slaughters, terror incidents, and mass killings.’

Documents show that LaFleur made these threats both while employed and after his retirement, says U.S. Attorney Cunha.

Lieutenant for the Fire Department, LaFleur served for 23 years.

LaFleur was released on an unsecured bond, and is restricted to home confinement with electronic GPS monitoring.