EXCLUSIVE: Sheriff Clarke says he felt "threatened" by email

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke spoke with FOX6 News on Tuesday, March 5th after he received a threatening email message. Now, Sheriff Clarke says they have caught the individual responsible.

After two high-profile pro-gun public service announcements and an equally high-profile appearance on CNN defending his positions, Sheriff Clarke received an email.

The email read: "You lousy Uncle Tom piece of (expletive.) I wish to hell somebody would shoot you. And what's with that stupid hat? When people call you a dumb (expletive), I don't disagree at all."

Sheriff Clarke spoke exclusively with FOX6 News about the threat on Tuesday.

"As a public official, I`m expected to put up with a lot and I do, but I am not going to put up with the type of behavior that was in that e-mail message," Sheriff Clarke said.

Sheriff Clarke says his office has taken the man who made this threat into custody. He has not yet been charged.

Sheriff Clarke's investigators are asking for a misdemeanor charge of unlawful use of computerized communication systems -- which could mean up to 90 days in jail.

They're also seeing a hate crime enhancement that could mean an extra year behind bars.

"Darn right I (expect charges) -- as if this happened to any other person in Milwaukee County," Sheriff Clarke said.

A Milwaukee County District Attorney's spokesman told FOX6 News his office is reviewing Sheriff Clarke's recommendation and a decision could come as early as Wednesday.

"Let`s wait and see what happens and I may have more to say as this thing moves through," Sheriff Clarke said.

The man who is accused of sending this threatening email pleaded guilty about five years ago on a charge related to making a threatening phone call.