Massachusetts Man Charged for Threatening Rep. William Snyder

A 47-year-old University of Massachusetts student who said he believed Rep. William Snyder, R-Stuart, was trying to abolish the 14th Amendment was arrested late Monday in Northampton, Mass., for threatening the life of Snyder and his family. The e-mailed threat came an hour after the Jan. 8 mass shooting in Arizona that left six people dead and 13 wounded, including Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.

Manuel Pintado, an Ecuadoran native whom authorities call an "activist," is being held in Massachusetts on $450,000 bail, awaiting transfer to Martin County, Fla. He is charged with corruption by threat and sending a written threat to kill or do bodily harm. He could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison.

Snyder has said he's sure what prompted the threat is his proposed legislation that would make it illegal for anyone in Florida to be without a proper immigration document. The 14th Amendment, in fact, guarantees equal protection under the law.

The e-mail reads, "You better just stop that ridiculous law." It was followed by threats, the official report says.

According to the Martin County sheriff's report, "He (Pintado) stated he meant no physical harm to Snyder, but added he was glad the e-mail made him nervous."