Keith Lessard, Mailing Threatening Communications, West Virginia 2023

A Massachusetts man is facing federal charges after allegedly waging a campaign of intimidation against a Kanawha County Circuit Judge. Keith Lessard, 40, of Uxbridge, Massachusetts, was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of mailing threatening communications, according to U.S. Attorney Mike Stuart.

The indictment details a calculated scheme in which Lessard used both email and the U.S. Postal Service to target the judge, who previously served as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Kanawha County. He allegedly threatened to damage her reputation by accusing her of illegal prosecutorial misconduct in a 2010 case in which he was a defendant—using the threat as leverage to extort money.

“Threats of any kind are taken seriously and investigated, especially when those threats target a member of the judiciary,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Lessard now faces two years if convicted of this scheme that targeted a judge.”

FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Michael Christman echoed the sentiment, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to protecting public officials and community members from intimidation. “These threats are taken very seriously and an example of the FBI’s dedication to keeping our community safe,” Christman said. “These charges should send the message that we will not tolerate sending threatening words to victims in our communities.”

If convicted, Lessard faces up to two years in federal prison. The investigation is being handled jointly by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS). Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua C. Hanks is prosecuting the case.

It is important to note: An indictment is merely an allegation, and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Related documents for Case No. 2:20-cr-00144 are available via PACER. The full press release is posted on the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia website.

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