Rolik Walker, Transmitting an Interstate Threat, New York 2022
BUFFALO, N.Y. - Rolik Walker, 25, of Buffalo, NY, was sentenced to 3 years' probation for transmitting an interstate threat.
On May 16, 2022, two days after the mass shooting at the Tops Market on Jefferson Avenue in Buffalo, Walker downloaded the IPVanish application onto his cell phone to mask his IP address.
Walker, using IPVanish, then created a Twitter account with the handle @ConklinHero, and posted a threat about 'targeting' several stores in the Western New York area and 'Only looking to kill blacks.'
Soon after the threat was posted, local, state, and federal law enforcement diverted resources to the stores to ensure the safety of the community, which resulted in one of the stores closing early.
Although he attempted to conceal his IP address, the FBI linked the Twitter account to Walker's residence in Buffalo.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch stated, 'The investigation and prosecution of this case are a testament to the tireless efforts of law enforcement to protect our communities from hate crimes and threats.'
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch.
Mandatory facts: Defendant/Respondent - Rolik Walker, Exact Criminal Charges - Transmitted an interstate threat, City and State - Buffalo, NY, Exact Date - May 16, 2022, Sentence - 3 years' probation with an electronically monitored curfew for a period of one year.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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