Stephen M. Cilurso Pleads Guilty to Federal Stalking of Philadelphia TV Personality

Stephen M. Cilurso, a 73‑year‑old resident of Aldan in Delaware County, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to one count of stalking by use of the mail and one count of witness tampering. Federal prosecutors said Cilurso mailed a series of threatening, homophobic letters to an unnamed Philadelphia television news personality from 2019 through 2026, repeatedly referencing the victim’s family and the broadcaster’s fear of snakes. After law‑enforcement warned him in March 2026 not to contact the victim, he sent additional letters urging the victim to drop the investigation.

Cilurso had previously been convicted for threatening calls to U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean and was arrested earlier this year for alleged threats against New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill. The case was handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, with Judge Gail A. Weilheimer presiding. Sentencing is scheduled for November 17, and he faces a maximum of eight years in federal prison.