ORLANDO, Fla. — The federal ju judge has indicted an Orlando man for committing an online threat against New Jersey US lawyer Alina Haba, authorities announced Thursday.
Salvatore Rasteau, 58, faces up to 10 years in federal prison if convicted of threatening to injure or kill a federal employee and threatening to retaliate against federal law enforcement officials.
According to the indictment, Lassott used his online account on May 19, 2025 to post a series of violent messages directed at HABBA. These messages included statements such as “Haba’s slow death” and “Eliminating Haba.”
Federal prosecutors argue that the language constitutes a real threat to violence. This case has been investigated by the FBI’s Newark and Tampa Field Offices, as well as the former US S-Service. US lawyer Kara Wick leads the prosecution.
Alina Haba, previously known as a lawyer for former President Donald J. Trump, was appointed US lawyer for the area of New Jersey in early 2025. Before taking on this role, she served as Trump’s lawyer in several well-known civil and criminal cases, including allegations of corruption, classified documents, and cases related to the robust governor general of New York. Haba has attracted national media attention for her strong public defense against the former president and has become a regular guest in conservative press.
Alina Haba’s appointment to the Justice Department faced scrutiny from critics who questioned the appropriateness of placing a former Trump lawyer in such a critical federal prosecutor’s position. However, supporters praised her legal skills and unwavering loyalty, claiming it would bring a bold and offensive approach to federal law enforcement. The threat to Alina Haba came amid wider national tensions over the judicial system and well-known political prosecution.
