Acworth man to be sentenced as feds announce new antisemitic threat case
An Acworth man is scheduled to be sentenced Tuesday after pleading guilty to making antisemitic threats online, as federal prosecutors announced charges against a Texas man in what they say is the latest in a series of cases targeting Georgia's Jewish community.
Matthew Alan Souza, 25, of Acworth, pleaded guilty June 11 to two counts of communicating interstate threats and has remained in federal custody since his arrest in May. He is scheduled to be sentenced July 14.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Souza allegedly posted multiple antisemitic threats on X, formerly Twitter, in July 2025. In one post, he wrote, "I just want more Jews dead," followed by, "The more Jew lives I take / The better a place the world can be / Death to the Jewish people."
About a week later, prosecutors accused Souza of posting, "Death to every Jew breathing," adding, "I can't wait for the war of America against Israel / The day I snipe a Jew will put a huge smile on my face."
Souza is one of four people charged by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia over the past year for allegedly making antisemitic threats online or by phone.
The latest case, announced by U.S. Attorney Theodore Hertzberg Monday, involves Jordan Nicholas Hadley, 31, of Houston, Texas, who is accused of leaving a threatening voicemail for Atlanta-based Flock Safety on April 24.
In the voicemail, Hadley allegedly used a homophobic slur while threatening to kill Jewish employees at the company if they filmed him.
Hadley was arrested on a criminal complaint July 9, and will make an initial appearance in Atlanta at a later date, per officials.
In addition to Souza and Hadley, federal prosecutors have also charged Aaron John Sasser, 36, of Maryland, who allegedly threatened employees at Atlanta-based PrizePicks, and Christopher Robertson, 43, of Fairburn, who allegedly made threats and antisemitic statements at Jewish organizations in metro Atlanta.
Sasser is accused of sending numerous threatening messages via the PrizePick's online consumer service chat, allegedly vowing to carry out violent attacks against the company's headquarters and several employees, including targeting Jewish staff members.
Prosecutors allege Robertson visited multiple Jewish organizations in metro Atlanta in July 2025, where he made antisemitic remarks and sought to speak with Jewish leaders. Authorities say he also posted antisemitic and threatening content on social media before and after the incidents, including videos advocating violence and images of himself with a firearm. Robertson was arrested on Aug. 1, 2025, and later indicted on two counts of communicating interstate threats by a federal grand jury. He remains in federal custody while his charges are pending.
"These men allegedly spewed vile hate and threatened violent attacks against Jews," Hertzberg said in a release. "Threats against any person based on his or her religious beliefs will not be tolerated, and these charges reflect my office's commitment to working with law enforcement partners to combat the pernicious evil of antisemitism and hold accountable anyone who threatens members of our community."
Each defendant faces up to five years in prison for transmitting threatening communications through interstate or foreign commerce. The cases are being investigated by the FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Grill is prosecuting the case against Hadley, Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Wylly is prosecuting the case against Sasser, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brent Alan Gray and Bret Hobson are prosecuting the case against Robertson, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chloe Smith and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Conor Woods are prosecuting the case against Souza.
"Antisemitic hate has no place in Georgia or anywhere," said Marlo Graham, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. "The FBI's work to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution includes the assurance to every single American that they are allowed to practice their religion without fear of threats or harm."
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