MontCo Man Sentenced to Over 3 Years for Threatening Synagogues

Clift Seferlis pleaded guilty to mailing threatening communications to over 25 Jewish institutions across the mid-Atlantic and northeast.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 11:34pm

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A 55-year-old man from Garrett Park, Maryland has been sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for mailing threatening communications to over 25 Jewish institutions, including synagogues, community centers, and schools, across the mid-Atlantic and northeast regions between March 2024 and June 2025. Clift Seferlis pleaded guilty to 17 counts of mailing threatening communications and 8 counts of obstructing the free exercise of religious beliefs.

Why it matters

Threats against religious institutions are considered attacks on the freedoms and rights guaranteed to all Americans. This case highlights the ongoing need to protect communities of faith from intimidation and harassment due to their beliefs.

The details

According to court filings, Seferlis used the U.S. Postal Service to send at least 40 letters and 2 postcards to the Jewish institutions, many of which threatened to destroy physical buildings and/or harm individuals. The targeted institutions were located in multiple jurisdictions, including Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Fairfax (Virginia), Gaithersburg (Maryland), Hagerstown (Maryland), Rockville (Maryland), and Brookline (Massachusetts).

  • From at least March 2024 through at least June 2025, Seferlis sent the threatening communications.
  • In November 2025, Seferlis pleaded guilty to the charges.
  • This week, Seferlis was sentenced to 37 months in prison, 3 years of supervised release, a $40,000 fine, and a $2,200 special assessment.

The players

Clift Seferlis

A 55-year-old man from Garrett Park, Maryland who pleaded guilty to mailing threatening communications to over 25 Jewish institutions across the mid-Atlantic and northeast.

David Metcalf

The United States Attorney who announced Seferlis' sentencing.

Wayne A. Jacobs

The Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Philadelphia Field Office, who stated that the case serves as a reminder that members of the community can still face threats due to their beliefs.

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What they’re saying

“Threats directed at religious institutions are attacks not just on those communities but on the freedoms guaranteed to all Americans.”

— David Metcalf, United States Attorney (tristatealert.com)

“This case serves as a stark reminder that members of our community can still face threats because of their beliefs. No one should have to live in fear because of who they are or what they believe. The FBI and our partners remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting every member of our community and holding those who seek to intimidate or harm others fully accountable.”

— Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Philadelphia Field Office (tristatealert.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Clift Seferlis out on bail pending his appeal.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing threat of hate crimes and extremism targeting religious institutions, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and strong law enforcement action to protect the freedom of worship for all Americans.