GREENVILLE, S.C. – Alvin Bernard Parks, 44, is trading the bars of the Greenville County Detention Center for federal prison after being sentenced to seven years for a chilling threat against a United States District Court Judge. The sentence, handed down by Judge Donald C. Coggins, Jr., sends a clear message: attacking the justice system carries severe consequences.
Parks pled guilty in February to the charge of threatening a federal judge. Court documents reveal a disturbing handwritten letter sent directly to the judge, detailing a meticulously planned plot for revenge. The letter didn’t just hint at violence; it laid out specific observations – “I have watched you leave the courthouse numerous times and plotted to get my revenge” – painting a picture of a calculated and dangerous intent.
The threats escalated, becoming explicit. According to excerpts from the letter, Parks warned, “you best to make sure they lock me away for good cause I’m going to kill you or blow that courthouse up.” The letter, originating from within the Greenville County Detention Center – where Parks was already being held – underscored the brazen nature of the threat. It wasn’t a desperate cry for help, but a cold declaration of intent.
U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs for the District of South Carolina minced no words. “Threats like this endanger our justice system,” Boroughs stated. “We remain committed to prosecuting illegal threats against public officials to ensure that such officials can do their jobs free from intimidation.” The prosecution clearly viewed this case not just as an isolated incident, but as an attack on the very foundations of the legal system.
Judge Coggins sentenced Parks to 84 months – seven years – of imprisonment, followed by a term of court-ordered supervision. Crucially, there is no parole in the federal system, meaning Parks will serve the entirety of his sentence. The investigation was conducted by the FBI Columbia Field Office, demonstrating the agency’s commitment to protecting federal officials.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Max Cauthen successfully prosecuted the case, securing a conviction and a substantial sentence. This case serves as a stark reminder that threats against those who uphold the law will be met with the full force of the federal justice system, and that even behind bars, the ability to incite violence carries a hefty price.
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Key Facts
- State: South Carolina
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Public Corruption
- Source: Official Source ↗
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