A Newark man has been federally charged after authorities say he sent threatening emails warning of physical harm to a Jewish nonprofit organization based in New York City.

Federal prosecutors did not identify the organization, but said the threatening messages were sent on October 6, 2024, and caused recipients to fear for their safety and contact law enforcement.

Cameron Patterson, 34, of Newark, was indicted May 18 on a charge of transmitting interstate threats to injure another person, according to United States Attorney Robert Frazer and Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.

Investigators say Patterson sent three threatening emails to the Jewish organization. During the investigation, authorities searched Patterson’s iCloud account and allegedly discovered multiple images depicting or referencing violence, threats of violence, and mass shootings.

Patterson had previously been charged by complaint and released. He is expected to be arraigned at a later date.

If convicted, Patterson faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

Federal officials credited special agents with the FBI Newark Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy, with leading the investigation that resulted in the charges.