FREDERICK, Md. (AP) — Frederick mayoral candidate Ron Young is downplaying a recent death threat, saying he received many when he served as the city’s mayor in the 1970s and 1980s.
Frederick County police confirmed last week that Chief Kim Dine received a letter June 21 threatening to kill Mr. Young if he won the fall election. And a break-in at Mr. Young’s home June 25 has led to speculation about a connection between the incidents.
Lt. Tom Chase, head of the police department’s criminal investigations division, would not reveal specifics of the letter but said it appeared to have been computer-generated.
Mr. Young dismissed the sender as “probably some kook” and said he isn’t taking the threats seriously.
Lt. Chase said the name listed as the sender at the end of the letter was the name of a deceased person, whom he would not identify.
Mr. Young also declined to reveal the name.
“He’s gone,” Mr. Young told the Frederick News-Post. “Why name him? He didn’t send it.”
Police think the burglar entered Mr. Young’s home through an unlocked door.
Mr. Young said the burglar appeared to have been scared off during the crime and that about $100 and some household keys were taken. He has since changed the locks.
“You have to wonder if the [incidents] are related,” said Dick Zimmerman, co-manager of Mr. Young’s mayoral campaign.
Mr. Young, who was mayor for four terms, had to go through some legal wrangling to even become a candidate.
He filed a lawsuit earlier this year to overcome the city’s three-year residency requirements and have his name placed on the ballot.
Mr. Young as been a Frederick resident for almost 65 years, but briefly moved outside the city limits before returning in May 2004.
Lt. Chase said investigations are continuing.
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