David M. Capato, 58, an Edgartown man charged in 2025 for making a bomb threat at the Vineyard Haven Steamship Authority terminal, pleaded guilty Wednesday, May 21, in Dukes County Superior Court and was sentenced to five years of probation on multiple counts.
At the change of plea hearing before Superior Court Judge Elaine M. Buckley, Capato pleaded not guilty to disorderly conduct, improper storage of a firearm, and threat to commit a crime. Several of his felony charges, including a bomb and hijacking threat and felony possession of a firearm, will be dismissed as long as Capato complies with his probation conditions.
Capato was sentenced to five years of probation, with conditions to maintain appropriate medical care until professionally discharged, take all prescribed medication, engage in mental health counselling until professionally discharged, and not possess or in any way control firearms or explosive devices or apply for a permit to carry a firearm.
According to a sentencing recommendation filed by Capato’s defense attorney, Rob Moriarty, Capato’s actions were the “product of psychosis brought about by illness and genuine human frailty.” Moriarty recommended five years of probation to the court.
Capato, a former New York City Police officer, made threats during a standoff with Tisbury Police at the terminal, where he threatened to vaporize the officers with a bomb in his vehicle. He was also in possession of a firearm.
According to police reports, while no explosives or detonators were found in the vehicle or terminal, Massachusetts State Police found a disassembled “AR-15-style rifle” and “several media devices,” such as laptops, cell phones, and a recording device Capato wore on his collar in the vehicle.
Capato was deemed a danger to the public and sent to the Bridgewater State Hospital for mental health evaluations in March 2025. Evaluators concluded that Capato was not criminally responsible for his actions on Jan. 15, 2025. He originally pleaded not guilty to all charges in April 2025.