On August 19, a federal grand jury indicted Justin J. Wright for setting a vehicle on fire near the home of Escambia County Clerk Pam Childers in June 2024. Court documents reveal the FBI is looking for the ringleader of the alleged extortion attempt.
Wright, currently in custody at Rikers Island, New York, was indicted for traveling across state lines with “the intent to kill, injure, harass, intimidate and place under surveillance” Childers and placed her and family members “in reasonable fear of death of and serious bodily injury.” He was also charged with extortion of the Clerk and using fire to commit stalking.
Wright was ordered to forfeit anything used to commit the alleged crime, including his cellphone.
Case Timeline from Docket History – Docket Sheet
Phase 1 – Initial Complaint (July 18, 2025):
- Criminal complaint filed with sealed supporting affidavit – Complaint
- Sealing motions filed and granted immediately – Motion to Seal and Order on Motion to Seal
Phase 2 – Transport Arrangements (July 24, 2025):
- First writ of habeas corpus ad prosequendum filed to bring Wright from New York to Florida
Phase 3 – Indictment (August 19-20, 2025):
- Federal indictment filed (case escalated from complaint to formal charges)
- Case unsealed on August 20, 2025
- Additional sealed motions processed
Phase 4 – Updated Transport (August 21, 2025):
- Second writ of habeas corpus filed (reflecting indictment status)
- Notice of hearing issued
Reasons for Sealing—Complaint, Affidavit and Arrest Warrant
- The case involves a “long-term investigation into violent offenses pursuant to Title 18 of the United States Code.”
- The investigation uses “sensitive techniques.”
- “The main subject of the investigation is not yet in custody.”
- Sealing requested to protect investigation integrity and safety of those involved.
Court Action: Both motions were granted and ordered on July 18, 2025, by U.S. Magistrate Judge Zachary C. Bolitho.
PETITION FOR WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS
AD PROSEQUENDUM – July 24, 2025
This is a Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus Ad Prosequendum filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida, Pensacola Division on July 24, 2025. Writ of Habeas Corpus
Key Details:
- Case: United States v. Justin J. Wright (Case No. 3:25mj261/ZCB)
- Current Status: Wright is in custody at Rikers Island, New York
- Upcoming Court Date: First appearance scheduled for September 10, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. CST in Pensacola, Florida
Purpose of the Petition: The U.S. government is requesting the court issue a writ directing U.S. Marshals to:
- Transport Wright from Rikers Island to Pensacola for his court appearance
- Return him to New York custody after the proceedings are complete
What This Means: A writ of habeas corpus ad prosequendum is a standard legal procedure used to temporarily transfer prisoners between jurisdictions for court proceedings. Wright faces federal criminal charges in Florida but is currently detained in New York, so this petition facilitates his appearance in the Florida court while maintaining his custody status.
PETITION FOR WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS
AD PROSEQUENDUM – Aug. 21, 2025
This is a second Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus Ad Prosequendum in the same case (United States v. Justin J. Wright), filed on August 21. Application for Writ of Habeas Corpus
Key Details:
- Case: United States v. Justin J. Wright (Case No. 3:25cr137/MCR)
- Filing Date: August 21, 2025 (Document 13)
- Current Status: Wright remains in custody at Rikers Island, New York
- Court Date: Same September 10, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. appearance in Pensacola, Florida
Important Change from Previous Petition: The most significant difference is that this petition states “An indictment is pending” rather than “A criminal complaint is pending” from the July 24th petition. This indicates the case has progressed – a grand jury has now formally indicted Wright on federal charges.
Purpose: Like the previous petition, this requests the court to issue a writ directing U.S. Marshals to transport Wright from New York to Florida for his court appearance and return him afterward.