⏱ 2 min read
A 63-year-old Philadelphia man, John Courtney Pollard, has been sentenced to 10 months in prison for threatening to kill a Pennsylvania poll watcher. On September 6, 2024, Pollard sent four iMessages to the victim, a Regional Election Integrity Director, over the course of about 10 minutes. The messages included explicit threats, such as "I will KILL YOU IF YOU DON'T ANSWER ME!" and "GONNA F***ING FIND YOU AND SKIN YOU ALIVE AND USE YOUR SKIN FOR F***ING TOILET PAPER, YOU F***ING KKK**T!" The victim had previously posted online about recruiting volunteers to help "observe at the polls on Election Day" and included their phone number.
Pollard's threats were made in response to the victim's online post, and he was subsequently charged and convicted. Chief United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence, which includes a $5,000 fine and one year of supervised release following his prison term.
The prosecution and sentencing of Pollard send a clear message that threats against election workers and other public servants will be met with swift and severe punishment. The FBI and other law enforcement partners remain committed to protecting free and fair elections, and this case demonstrates their dedication to holding accountable those who seek to undermine the democratic process.
The FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge, Richard Evanchec, stated that "Threatening those tasked with upholding this process by weaponizing fear carries very real consequences." The case highlights the importance of protecting election workers and ensuring the integrity of the electoral system.
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📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Violent Crime
- Defendant: Pennsylvania
- Location: PA
- Source: DOJ Press Release
