Shaninth Michael Ray, a 38-year-old from Chicago, Illinois, pled guilty on Mar. 31 in federal court in Sioux City to the charge of cyberstalking.
Ray admitted in a plea agreement that between April and October 2023 he repeatedly threatened to kill an Iowa resident and members of their family. These threats came after a no contact order had been issued against him. According to the plea agreement, Ray used telephone calls, text messages, and videos across multiple platforms to make threats such as stating he would “end” the victim’s life and “bash [the victim’s] face in with a rock.” In one video sent by Ray, he explicitly threatened the victim’s life while displaying a firearm.
Ray was arrested in Minnesota in October 2023 for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Authorities say he continued contacting the victim even while held in custody both in Minnesota and Iowa. His criminal record includes several domestic abuse convictions, violations of protection orders, interference with emergency communications, assault causing bodily harm, possession of controlled substances, harassment, and obstruction.
Sentencing will be scheduled before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand once a presentence report is completed. Ray remains detained by the United States Marshal until sentencing takes place. He faces at least one year and up to ten years’ imprisonment if convicted on all counts, along with possible fines up to $250,000 and three years of supervised release after any prison term.
The case is being investigated by the Mason City Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ron Timmons and Ashley Corkery.
