Two men from out of state have been charged by a federal grand jury for allegedly making threats against a U.S. Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportation officer and his wife. The incidents are said to have occurred online, with both defendants accused of using Instagram to issue threats.
According to prosecutors, Frank Andrew Waszut posted a video on Instagram in which he showed photographs of the ICE officer who works in the Northern District of Georgia. In the video, Waszut reportedly stated: “And he’s an ICE agent. This is him unmasked . . . . So, go ahead and make him famous. And if you see this [expletive] out in public give him the cell block one treatment. You know, catch him when he’s alone.” Authorities believe that “cell block one treatment” refers to inflicting physical violence.
In a separate post, Anthony Patrick Noto is alleged to have commented under a photo of the officer’s wife, saying: “Anybody wanna test the sites [sic] on their new A-R? There’s a pretty good target right there!” Investigators say “A-R” refers to a semiautomatic rifle.
U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg addressed the charges: “Federal agents deserve to perform their duties free of harassment from keyboard warriors and other agitators,” said Hertzberg. “Threatening law enforcement officers and their families is not only illegal—it’s disgusting. My office will ensure that anyone who threatens a federal agent in North Georgia, or who hides behind a computer screen to intimidate that agent’s immediate family, is found, arrested, prosecuted, and held accountable.”
Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta, also commented: “Threats of violence against law enforcement officers and their families are not only reprehensible, but also a direct attack on the safety and integrity of our justice system,” Brown said. “These charges serve as a clear reminder that threats of this nature will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Anthony Patrick Noto, 63 years old from Ronkonkoma, New York, has been taken into federal custody and arraigned following his indictment. Frank Andrew Waszut, 41 years old from Knoxville, Tennessee, remains in state custody in Texas where he faces additional charges for allegedly making terroristic threats against Republican lawmakers.
Both men were indicted by a federal grand jury on September 23, 2025.
Authorities emphasize that indictments are formal charges only; both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty at trial.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation into this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brent Alan Gray and Eric White are prosecuting.
Further information about this case can be found through the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia at http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
