Man who threatened President Obama on social media denied release

MEDFORD, Ore. – A federal judge has ordered a Medford man convicted of using social media to threaten President Barack Obama to remain jailed because of concerns that he’s still a threat to the public.

The Mail Tribune reported that a judge on Monday denied a request from 62-year-old John Martin Roos to be placed in a federal halfway house while he awaits his March sentencing. Roos’ attorney had sought his client’s release so he can undergo drug treatment.

Roos has been jailed since April on charges alleging he posted threats against the president on Twitter and Facebook. Authorities say they also found Roos in possession of several guns and pipe bombs when they arrested him.

Roos has pleaded guilty to threatening the president, federal law enforcement officers and possession of explosives.