Yonkers Man Avoids Trial After Threatening Cops With Crucifixion Deal

Ridon Kola, a Yonkers resident, will not stand trial on federal charges related to threats made against local police officers.

Kola reached a deferred prosecution agreement with federal prosecutors on October 29, 2026. The document was filed in federal court on October 30. If Kola meets specific conditions for one year, prosecutors will drop the charge of transmitting threatening interstate communications.

The agreement imposes strict limits on Kola's daily life. He is banned from using social media and faces restrictions on his internet access. He must wear a location monitoring device and observe a curfew. Kola cannot contact Yonkers police officers and must refrain from possessing weapons. He is also required to undergo regular outpatient mental health treatment and remain under the supervision of the US Pretrial Services Office.

Kola was originally arrested on March 17, 2023. Federal authorities accused him of making violent threats against Yonkers Police Department officers and Mayor Mike Spano. The threats began in November 2021 when Kola posted a message in Albanian on a police social media account threatening to kill officers.

In December 2021, Kola allegedly posted another message stating, "Starting tomorrow I will start killing your officers just so u know who is doing it, Ridon Kola Albanian blood." Yonkers detectives visited his home after those posts. Kola acknowledged making the posts but denied having plans to harm anyone, according to federal authorities.

The situation escalated in early 2023. On March 9, 2023, Kola allegedly sent a message to the Yonkers Police Department declaring, "I will crucify Yonkers cops and their bosses all along McLean ave. It will be a horror scene . . Allahu Ekberr." The reference to McLean Avenue raised concerns because the street was part of the route for the Yonkers St. Patrick's Day Parade scheduled for March 18, 2023. Kola lived near the parade route where numerous officers were expected to be stationed.

A federal grand jury indicted Kola on April 11, 2023. The new agreement was signed by Kola, his attorney James Roth, and federal prosecutors on October 29. US District Judge Cathy Seibel approved the deal. The agreement is not a conviction or a dismissal, but prosecutors can resume the case if Kola fails to meet its conditions.