An Ocean Beach man has been indicted on a charge of sending a death threat by email to a member of the LGBTQ community and a trial date will be set on Jan. 6.

George Joseph Wellinger II, 48, has pleaded not guilty to the felony charge in U.S. District Court. He remains free on a $50,000 bond with GPS monitoring.

Wellinger is charged with transmitting threatening communication to a person who a television reporter interviewed about a 2023 murder of a Lake Arrowhead businesswoman who was killed for displaying a Pride flag at her business.

It is a federal case because it involves interstate commerce via electronic communications.

In August 2023, Laura Ann Carlton, 66, was shot to death in her store after a 27-year-old man angrily confronted her about her displaying a Pride flag. Carlton was an ally to the LGBTQ community but not gay herself.

The man fled, but he opened fire upon responding sheriff’s deputies who then shot him to death.

The victim in the San Diego case involving Wellinger talked about what happened to Carlton. Wellinger is accused of telling the victim she was “another alphabet clown that wants to take a dirt nap too,” according to the indictment.

“Hate crimes are designed to terrify both the victim and the community,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath earlier when Wellinger was first charged.

“The U.S. Attorney’s office works tirelessly on prosecuting these cases to send our message: San Diego has no place for hate,” said McGrath.

“This indictment serves as a reminder there is no room for hate in our community,” said Stacey Moy, special agent in charge for the FBI San Diego Field Office.

Wellinger’s attorney could not be reached for comment. Wellinger denies sending a threat.