On June 14, 2023, a fire erupted on the railroad tracks in Farnham, New York, disrupting the operations of Norfolk Southern Railway, a critical artery of interstate commerce. What initially appeared as a random act of vandalism quickly unraveled into a chilling case rooted in the ideology of the sovereign citizen movement. Michael B. Benitez admitted to deliberately setting tires ablaze on the tracks, driven by his anti-government beliefs and a specific grievance that the railroad lacked the right to operate through Seneca Nation Territory.
This case, detailed in United States v. Michael B. Benitez (24-CR-0078-RJA), underscores the serious risks posed by sovereign citizen ideology when coupled with criminal acts that endanger public safety. The government’s response to Benitez’s request for a non-guideline sentence, filed on May 7, 2025, in the Western District of New York, paints a picture of a defendant whose actions and ongoing rhetoric signal a persistent threat, necessitating a guideline sentence of 27 to 33 months’ imprisonment.
Benitez self-identified as a sovereign citizen during his June 15, 2023 interview with law enforcement. He expressed a deep-seated distrust of all government entities, including tribal and federal authorities, labeling them as corrupt. His specific objection to the Norfolk Southern Railway’s operations through Seneca Nation Territory reflects a common sovereign citizen tactic of challenging perceived jurisdictional overreach. However, the government’s filing clarifies that the railroad operates under a long-established easement, debunking Benitez’s claim. The government argues that his ideology motivated a calculated act of arson that could have derailed a train, caused catastrophic property damage, or even resulted in loss of life.
On the night of the crime, he dragged multiple tires from a pile in his backyard, located at a Railroad Avenue residence, to the nearby tracks. Surveillance footage captured a figure matching Benitez’s description carrying an item—later confirmed to be a gas can—toward the tracks, followed by a flash or explosion, and then returning to his property. The fire, set at 2:57 a.m., consumed five railroad ties, melted circuit wires, and damaged critical equipment, including an automatic equipment (AEI) detector and a wheel detector, both essential for safe train operations. The Village of Farnham Fire Department’s response halted train traffic, averting immediate disaster, but the potential for derailment loomed large. The government’s filing emphasizes the deliberate nature of Benitez’s actions: each step—gathering tires, fetching gasoline, and igniting the fire—required time and intent, belying any claim of impulsivity. This premeditation, coupled with the high stakes of tampering with interstate infrastructure, elevates the offense’s gravity.
The dangerousness of Benitez’s case extends beyond the act itself to his unrepentant mindset and potential for recidivism, as evidenced by his social media activity. The government’s filing includes a compilation of Benitez’s Facebook posts spanning June 2023 to January 2025, which reveal a consistent pattern of vitriolic anti-government rhetoric and violent threats. Just days before the arson, on June 7, 2023, Benitez posted about wanting to choke hospital staff and referenced setting oxygen tanks on fire, foreshadowing his destructive tendencies. Following his arrest, his posts grew more belligerent, targeting judges, federal attorneys, the FBI, and Norfolk Southern police with expletive-laden rants. On November 22, 2024—the very day he pleaded guilty—Benitez disparaged federal judges in Buffalo, calling them “old ass white f*****” and questioning their authority. By December 11, 2024, he expressed support for Luigi Mangione, charged with murdering a United Healthcare CEO, and mused about killing hospital executives. These posts, continuing into 2025 with threats against politicians and claims of being “set up” by a corrupt government, paint a portrait of a defendant undeterred by legal consequences.
The government argues that these posts refute Benitez’s claim, made in his request for a non-guideline sentence, of being “humbled and ashamed.” Instead, they suggest a high likelihood of reoffending, a key factor in determining a sentence that protects the public. The sovereign citizen ideology fueling Benitez’s actions amplifies this risk. Benitez’s claim during his interview that police lacked jurisdiction over him as a sovereign citizen, coupled with his instruction to witnesses not to cooperate with law enforcement, is very concerning. His ongoing defiance, even after pleading guilty, suggests that leniency could embolden further acts of defiance or violence.
The government’s recommended sentence of 27 to 33 months, based on an adjusted offense level of 20 and a criminal history category of II. Initially indicted for arson, which carries a mandatory minimum of five years, Benitez benefited from a plea deal to a lesser charge of attempting to wreck or disable railroad equipment which has no mandatory minimum. This reduction, the government argues, already accounts for any mitigating factors, such as Benitez’s reported mental health issues or family responsibilities, which were filed under seal to protect his privacy. The government argues that granting a further non-guideline sentence would undermine the need for deterrence and public safety, especially given Benitez’s lack of remorse and continued threats.
The exhibits in Benitez’s case, (see below) are critical to understanding his mindset. The government supplied 18 pages worth of postings, from June 7, 2023, to January 11, 2025. Posts from June 13, 2024 target “racist” authorities, while those from January 2025 reiterate claims of false accusations. These exhibits provide a chronological record of Benitez’s escalating rhetoric, reinforcing the government’s argument that he remains a danger.
The case of Michael B. Benitez serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by sovereign citizen ideology when it manifests in criminal acts. His deliberate arson on a vital railroad track, driven by anti-government beliefs, threatened public safety and interstate commerce. The government’s call for a guideline sentence is grounded in the crime’s severity, Benitez’s lack of remorse, and his ongoing threats, which suggest a propensity for future offenses. As courts navigate the challenges of sovereign citizen defendants, cases like this underscore the need for sentences that deter and protect while addressing the ideological roots of such crimes. The Western District of New York’s handling of this case will likely set a precedent for balancing free expression with public safety in the face of extremist ideologies.
On the other side, character references submitted to the court show a different side to Mr. Benitez. Two character reference letters were submitted to Honorable Richard J. Arcara in the Western District of New York on behalf of Mr. Benitez. The letters aim to highlight Benitez’s positive attributes and argue against incarceration, emphasizing his role as a family provider and his efforts toward personal improvement.
Both letters portray Michael Benitez as a dedicated family man and hard worker who has made significant strides in personal development through counseling. They argue that incarceration would harm his vulnerable family and disrupt his progress, advocating for a sentence that allows him to continue supporting his household and improving himself. The letters do not address the specifics of the crime but focus on mitigating factors related to his character and family responsibilities.
Reference: United States v. Michael B. Benitez, Case No. 24-CR-0078-RJA-HKS, Government’s Response to Defendant’s Request for a Non-Guideline Sentence, Dkt 44 (W.D.N.Y. May 7, 2025).