Julian Mark Saich, 62, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to felony extortion, violating a protective order, and destroying property after harassing his Norfolk neighbor in a series of alarming incidents earlier this year. The situation began escalating on February 8, when Saich sent his neighbor threatening messages over a barking dog, saying he would “slit its throat” if the barking didn’t stop. The messages included a photo of Saich’s firearms—a handgun and an AK-style rifle—alongside a hunting knife.
When the neighbor tried to confront Saich in person, he found him armed with the rifle and another visible handgun. Saich racked the rifle in front of his neighbor as a threat. The confrontation prompted the neighbor to contact the police, and later that evening, Saich sent more messages threatening to “bury him” and “split his skull” because he reported the incident.
The conflict continued on February 12 when Saich, in defiance of a protective order, went onto the neighbor’s property and slashed a tire on the neighbor’s vehicle while he was away. Security footage caught the act, leading to Saich’s arrest. He spent nine days in jail following the arrest.
Saich’s plea agreement includes a one-day jail sentence, with an additional seven-year suspended sentence, on the condition of good behavior for three years. He must also comply with a two-year protective order that prohibits any contact with his neighbor. Judge Michelle J. Atkins accepted the agreement, and Saich’s felony conviction will now bar him from owning firearms.
“This was a dangerous and frightening situation,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Ramin Fatehi. “Mr. Saich’s conviction ensures that he won’t possess guns, and his neighbor’s decision to alert the police helped protect the community.”