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Charges filed over threats against Colo. lawmaker

March 4, 2013 | Modified: March 4, 2013 at 9:15 pm
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Photo - FILE - This Feb. 15, 2013 file photo shows Rep. Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, as she urges House members to pass her bill on limiting the size of ammunition magazines at the Capitol in Denver. Lawmakers have become the target of aggressive and sometimes threating emails and phone calls as the debate over stricter gun laws escalates in Colorado and other states. In one case, emails and a letter to Democratic Rep. Rhonda Fields was so charged with profanity and references to violence that Denver police arrested a man suspected sending the communication. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski, File)
FILE - This Feb. 15, 2013 file photo shows Rep. Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, as she urges House members to pass her bill on limiting the size of ammunition magazines at the Capitol in Denver. Lawmakers have become the target of aggressive and sometimes threating emails and phone calls as the debate over stricter gun laws escalates in Colorado and other states. In one case, emails and a letter to Democratic Rep. Rhonda Fields was so charged with profanity and references to violence that Denver police arrested a man suspected sending the communication. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski, File)

DENVER (AP) — A man accused of threatening a Colorado lawmaker sponsoring gun control bills has been charged with attempting to influence a public servant and harassment.

Franklin Sain was charged Monday over messages sent to Democratic Rep. Rhonda Fields.

Denver prosecutors allege the 42-year-old, who is white, tried to intimidate or harass Fields because she is black.

Sain was suspended from his job as chief operating officer of an information technology firm following his arrest.

He allegedly sent Fields a letter saying "There will be blood" and expressing hope that someone would "Gifords" her, an apparent reference to the wounding of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.

Sain's attorney said Monday that while the messages to Fields were deplorable, they were not threats.

Fields' attorney says he agrees with the decision to file charges.

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