RivCo Man, 71, Arrested On Suspicion Of Threatening News Organization Employees

PALM SPRINGS, CA — A Palm Springs man was arrested this week after investigators linked him to a series of explicit threats mailed to employees of a local news organization, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation began in July 2024, when personnel at the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station took over a case involving threatening letters sent through the U.S. Postal Service. The letters specifically named individuals at the media outlet, prompting investigators to coordinate closely with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

After following up on multiple investigative leads, authorities identified the suspect as Johnnie Pagels, 71, of Palm Springs.

On Wednesday, Dec. 3, investigators from the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station and members of the department’s Business District Team served a search warrant at a residence in the 200 block of East Alejo Road in Palm Springs. Pagels was found at the location and taken into custody without incident, officials said.

Pagels was booked into the John Benoit Detention Center on suspicion of criminal threats and stalking.

The case remains under investigation, and no further details have been released.

Anyone with additional information is urged to contact Investigator Brown at the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station at 760-836-1600.