Benjamin Tarbell, Interstate Threats, Alaska 2021

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A chilling tale of death threats has unfolded in the Last Frontier. Benjamin Tarbell, a 34-year-old Kasilof resident, has been indicted on five counts of making interstate threats and one count of cyberstalking. The allegations stem from a disturbing spree of threats made against individuals in Vermont and other states.

According to court documents, Tarbell’s reign of terror began in August 2021, with threats escalating through early September. The defendant allegedly used text messages, Instagram messages, and telephone calls to issue the menacing statements. A disturbing twist: Tarbell had moved from Vermont to Alaska in April 2021, only to resume his threats against former acquaintances.

The FBI arrested Tarbell on September 10 at the Kenai Municipal Airport as he checked in for a flight to Vermont. Agents discovered a rifle, two handguns, ammunition, two knives, and a tactical vest in his possession. The defendant’s travel plans were clearly a ruse, as he was taken into custody on a federal complaint.

Tarbell’s initial court appearance took place on September 14 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew M. Scoble of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. He remains in federal custody pending trial.

If convicted, Tarbell faces a maximum sentence of five years each for counts 1 through 5, and a maximum of ten years in prison for count 6.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation, with support from the Alaska State Troopers, Vermont State Police, and the Massachusetts State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Heyman is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Tarbell’s case serves as a stark reminder of the gravity of cyber threats and the importance of swift action in addressing them.

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