A Gate City man was convicted of making a threat in interstate commerce against Ballad Health hospital staff.
Austin Hale, 28, was found guilty of one count of knowingly transmitting in interstate commerce a threat to injure Ballad Health hospital staff.
According to evidence presented at trial, on January 8, 2024, Hale sent a threatening message to Ballad Health in Johnson City, Tennessee via Ballad Health’s ‘Contact Us’ webpage. In that message, Hale threatened to ‘walk in to [Ballad’s] hospital and shoot the stafff [sic] . . . .’
When questioned by the FBI and asked why he thought they were at his home asking to speak with him, Hale responded that it was probably because of the ‘death threat’ he sent to the hospital.
Hale faces a maximum statutory penalty of up to five years in federal prison at sentencing.
Acting United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee and Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carrie Macon and Whit Pierce are prosecuting the case for the United States.
The case is a reminder that making threats against hospital staff will not be tolerated and will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.
Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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