He Mailed Hate to Over 40 Jewish Sites: Maryland Man Gets 37 Months for Antisemitic Threats
A Maryland man has been sentenced to more than three years in federal prison for sending threatening letters to Jewish institutions across the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Clift Seferlis, 55, of Garrett Park, was sentenced to 37 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $40,000 fine and a $2,200 special assessment. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Mark A. Kearney.
Seferlis previously pleaded guilty to 17 counts of mailing threatening communications and eight counts of violating the civil rights of individuals by obstructing the free exercise of religious beliefs.
Prosecutors said the conduct involved more than 40 letters and two postcards sent between March 2024 and June 2025 to at least 25 Jewish institutions, including synagogues, schools, museums, community centers, nonprofit organizations and businesses in multiple states. According to court filings, many of the messages contained threats of violence and property destruction.
Federal officials said the communications were intended to intimidate recipients and interfere with religious practice.
“For more than a year, the defendant terrorized Jewish communities across the country, robbing his victims of their peace and security,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon. “The defendant’s sentence should be a warning to all that religious-based terror will not be tolerated in this country.”
“Threats directed at religious institutions are attacks not just on those communities but on the freedoms guaranteed to all Americans,” said U.S. Attorney Metcalf. “Individuals who attempt to intimidate or terrorize others because of their faith will face the full force of federal law.”
Canceled Cruise, No Refund—Again: Maryland AG Charges Capital Jazz for Breaking $642K Promise to Customers
Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown has filed administrative charges against Capital Jazz Inc. and its owner, Clifford Hunte, alleging the company failed to provide refunds to customers for a canceled 2026 music cruise and violated a prior consumer protection settlement.
The state’s Consumer Protection Division alleges the company canceled its planned March 2026 “SuperCruise” to the Caribbean and did not refund at least 103 customers, who collectively paid about $642,240. Officials said the total number of affected consumers may be higher.
The action also alleges Capital Jazz violated a 2025 settlement that resolved earlier complaints over canceled cruises in 2021 and 2022. Under that agreement, the company was required to issue refunds within specified timeframes, maintain event cancellation insurance, and provide restitution to affected customers.
According to the charges, Capital Jazz had already faced enforcement action for previous cancellations and agreed to pay restitution and comply with consumer protection requirements as part of the earlier settlement.
State officials allege the company again sold tickets for the 2026 cruise, continued advertising the event even after losing its charter agreement with a cruise operator, and failed to provide refunds after the trip was canceled. Regulators say the charter agreement was terminated in late 2025 after the company failed to meet payment obligations.
The state also alleges the company did not pay required settlement amounts and failed to provide required documentation identifying consumers owed refunds.
Attorney General Brown said the company broke commitments to consumers and repeated conduct that had already been the subject of enforcement action.
“Capital Jazz made a commitment to Maryland consumers and broke it, and then they brazenly did it again,” said Attorney General Brown. “My Office intends to use every legal tool available to hold it accountable in its failure to honor its obligations to consumers.”
The state is seeking an order requiring Capital Jazz to stop alleged violations of consumer protection law, provide refunds and pay penalties. The case will be heard by the Maryland Office of Administrative Hearings in July.
Capital Jazz promotes music-themed cruises and events, including its annual “SuperCruise” featuring live performances at sea. The company has faced previous regulatory action over cancellations and refund delays.
Consumers who believe they are owed refunds have been advised to contact the state’s Consumer Protection Division.
He Used Fake Names, Pocketed Commissions, Let Policies Die: Baltimore Agent Indicted for $100K+ Fraud Scheme
A Baltimore County grand jury has indicted an Owings Mills insurance agent on charges tied to an alleged multi-year fraud scheme that prosecutors say exceeded $100,000.
Gregory A. Maslow, 72, faces six counts, including theft scheme over $100,000, three counts of identity fraud, and two counts of insurance fraud, according to the Maryland Attorney General’s Office. The indictment was announced April 23.
Prosecutors allege Maslow carried out the scheme over roughly four years by submitting more than 75 life insurance applications using the identities of other agents and, in some cases, without applicants’ knowledge or consent. Authorities say many of the policies were taken out in the names of Maslow’s associates or himself.
According to the indictment, Maslow offered to pay some or all of the policy premiums to persuade individuals to apply, but did not maintain those payments. Investigators allege he also impersonated agents and applicants in communications with insurance companies.
Once policies were approved, insurance companies issued upfront commissions intended for the listed agents. Prosecutors say those funds were directed to joint accounts set up by Maslow and then quickly transferred into accounts he controlled. The policies later lapsed due to nonpayment of premiums.
State officials say the alleged scheme resulted in losses exceeding $100,000.
A trial is scheduled for Aug. 3, 2026, in the Circuit Court for Baltimore County.
Maslow is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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