Man pleads guilty to using Facebook to threaten councilwoman after her remarks at Muslim event

A San Pedro man charged with using Facebook to threaten a Villa Park councilwoman who made controversial comments outside a Muslim community event pleaded guilty Wednesday to a felony count of threatening a public official.

The case stemmed from remarks made in February by Councilwoman Deborah Pauly, who addressed protesters outside the Islamic Circle of America event and said, "What's going on over there right now … that is pure, unadulterated evil."

"I know quite a few Marines who will be very happy to help these terrorists to an early meeting in paradise," Pauly said in footage captured by a video camera at the Yorba Linda community center.

The footage showed families with small children entering the event as protesters waved American flags and chanted, "Go back home!"

Paul Dean Andrews, 28, was sentenced to 97 days in jail and three years' probation and is barred from having any contact with Pauly, according to the Orange County district attorney's office.

Angered by Pauly's comments, Andrews used Facebook to send the councilwoman a message in which he threatened to use weapons to commit violence, according to prosecutors.

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-- Robert J. Lopez
Twitter: @LAJourno

Photo: Paul Dean Andrews. Credit: Orange County district attorney's office