DENVER -- An Iowa man faces federal charges for allegedly telephoning a threat to the woman named in the Kobe Bryant sexual assault investigation.

FBI agents and officers from the Iowa City Police Department arrested John William Roche (pictured, left), 22, of Iowa City, Iowa, on a federal indictment Thursday at his home.

John Roche left a profanity-laced message on the answering machine of the accuser in Eagle on July 27, according to a federal grand jury indictment. The caller, described by a friend as a "sports fanatic," threatened to assault the woman with a coat hanger and repeatedly said he would "kill you."

The woman's name, address and telephone number have been circulated on the Internet.

A statement from the U.S. Attorney's Office in Denver said that threats in legal proceedings are taken very seriously.

KOBE BRYANT CASE Slideshow: Who's Who See Sensitive Juror Questions Bryant's Apology DA's Statement What's Next For Kobe? Accuser Will Always Be Known As 'Alleged Victim Bryant Case Flawed From Start Accuser's Statement Kobe Original Statement Wife's Original Statement Chronology Of Events D.A. Explains Dismissal The Ruling Comes Down Legal Experts Disagree On Strength Of Case Rape Victim Advocates Blast Kobe's Defense Team Prosecution Lays Out Case Against Kobe Bryant DA's Original Presser Civil Case Hurt Or Helped? Fair Jury Be Found Should Court Documents Be Published On Web? Race An Issue? Should Sheriff's Accept Bryant T-shirts? Case Goes To Trial: You Surprised? Testimony Change Your Mind? Sexual History Be Admissible? Release Accuser's Name? Kobe's Legacy Tarnished? Whose Story Do You Believe? Discuss Case Court Documents

Elliot Schwind, 22, said he has known Roche since seventh grade and described him as a "sports fanatic." Schwind, a Loras College student, said Roche was in Dubuque for a golf tournament the weekend of July 27.

"We had been drinking since tee-off time at 11 a.m., so we were all pretty drunk at night when he called. I know he absolutely didn't remember making this call the next day," Schwind said.

He said Roche was a smart person "who really makes you feel comfortable."

"He is the least person from mean that I know, and I know he would never threaten anyone's life," Schwind said.

"We cannot tolerate attempts to influence judicial proceedings," United States Attorney John Suthers said.

"(Thursday's) arrest should serve as a strong warning to those who think it appropriate to threaten the judicial officers or witnesses in this case," said Phillip B.J. Reid, the FBI special agent in charge. "This type of behavior is repugnant to the spirit of dignity and fairness that underlies the judicial process. Allegations of threats will be vigorously investigated and prosecuted by federal authorities."

Roche made an appearance before a U.S. magistrate in Rock Island, Ill. He was released on bond and ordered to appear in federal court in Denver for a Sept. 2 arraignment.

He is charged with making a threatening telephone call across state lines. If convicted, Roche could be sentenced to up to five years in federal prison and receive up to a $250,000 fine.

Bryant, 24, is charged with raping a 19-year-old employee of the Lodge & Spa at Cordillera on June 30. He has said the sex was consensual.

Bryant, who remains free on a $25,000 bond, is scheduled to return to Eagle for an Oct. 9 preliminary hearing, where the judge will decide whether there is enough evidence for a trial.

Accuser's Father Reports Suspicious Incidents

The father of Kobe Bryant's accuser has called police twice in the past three weeks to report suspicious incidents, including one where someone apparently slipped into the home and locked up the family dog.

The family left the home with two dogs locked inside the morning of Aug. 14, according to police records reviewed Friday. When they returned about an hour later, the more aggressive dog was locked in an upstairs bathroom. Nothing was missing and there were no signs of forced entry, according to the police report.

"This officer advised (the father), 'Maybe it would be a good idea to have all the locks changed due to someone may have a key,"' Sgt. Gary Ward, Eagle's acting police chief, said in the report. "(The father) thought a bug may have been placed in the home. None located at this time."

A police officer offered to come and check the home, but the father said no. Ward was out of the office and not immediately available to comment.

Bryant, 24, is charged with raping a 19-year-old employee at an Edwards resort June 30. The Los Angeles Lakers star, who says the two had consensual sex, faces an Oct. 9 preliminary hearing to determine whether there will be a trial on a felony sexual assault charge.

The case has drawn extraordinary scrutiny to this mountain community. Bryant's accuser has been identified on Web sites and by at least one radio show host but most media outlets, including The Associated Press, have not disclosed her name or that of family members.

In the other police incident, the woman's father said a man stopped at the house July 30 and offered to wash the windows. The father refused and the man left without stopping at any nearby homes, records show.

Both police reports said the father wanted the incidents on the record on the advice of his attorney.

Krista Flannigan, spokeswoman for the district attorney, said nothing at this point suggested any attempts to tamper with a witness and the reports were not being investigated.