A 21-year-old man was sentenced Thursday to 25 years in prison after admitting to posting threats against the creators of South Park.
Court documents said that Zachary Adam Chesser made posts that included the writers' home addresses and urged readers to "pay them a visit."
According to the documents, Chesser encouraged violent jihadists to attack them for an episode on Comedy Central that showed the Prophet Mohammed in a bear suit.
"Zachary Chesser will spend 25 years in prison for advocating the murder of U.S. citizens for engaging in free speech about his religion," said U.S. Attorney Neil MacBride.
"His actions caused people throughout the country to fear speaking out -- even in jest -- to avoid being labeled as enemies who deserved to be killed. The fact that a young man from Northern Virginia could support such violence and terror is a sobering reminder of the serious threat that homegrown jihadists pose to this country."
Prosecutors asked for the maximum sentence of 30 years. Defense lawyers sought a 20-year sentence.
After Chesser, a Fairfax County, Virginia resident, completes his prison term, he will be on probation for three years.
Last October, Chesser pleaded guilty to providing material support to terrorists, communicating threats and soliciting others to threaten violence.
"I accept full responsibility for all of my actions, and I would like to take the opportunity to express remorse," Chesser told the court.
Born in the United States, Chesser converted to Islam while in high school.
