Philadelphia Man Charged with Election-Related Threats

A Pennsylvania man has been charged with threatening a representative of a state political party who was recruiting official poll watchers.

According to an indictment unsealed on September 6, 2023, John Pollard, 62, of Philadelphia, sent threatening text messages to Victim 1.

Pollard allegedly texted Victim 1 that he was ‘interested in being a poll watcher’ and included Victim 1’s first name. He then allegedly texted three threats to Victim 1:

• ‘I will KILL YOU IF YOU DON’T ANSWER ME!’
• ‘Your days are numbered, B****!’
• ‘GONNA F***ING FIND YOU AND SKIN YOU ALIVE AND USE YOUR SKIN FOR F***ING TOILET PAPER, YOU F***ING KKK**T!’

Pollard is charged with one count of transmitting interstate threats. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison.

A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI Pittsburgh Field Office is investigating the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole A. Stockey for the Western District of Pennsylvania and Trial Attorney Jacob R. Steiner of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section (PIN) are prosecuting the case.

This case is part of the Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force, which was launched in June 2021 to address threats of violence against election workers and ensure that all election workers can do their jobs free from threats and intimidation.

MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS

Violent Crime

McKee's Web of Deceit Unravels in Maryland Courtroom

Jul 1, 2008

Violent Crime

Mouzans Financial Scheme, Maryland 2023

Jul 1, 2018

Violent Crime

Teixeira Rodrigues, Federal Criminal Case, Georgia, 2013

Jan 15, 2013

Violent Crime

Bueno Alcolea's Blood Money Trail Leads to Federal Probe

Jul 1, 2017