A 42-year-old Lincoln, Nebraska man was sentenced to 18 months in prison for making multiple threatening posts on an Instagram page associated with an election official.
Travis Ford issued threats to an election official, including: ‘Do you feel safe? You shouldn’t. Do you think Soros will/can protect you?’ and ‘Your security detail is far too thin and incompetent to protect you. This world is unpredictable these days….anything can happen to anyone.’
Ford also posted similar messages on Instagram pages associated with the President of the United States and with another public figure.
‘Make no mistake, threatening election officials is a serious attack on our democratic process,’ said FBI Director Christopher Wray. ‘Today’s sentence proves that the FBI and our partners will stand up to anyone who attempts to intimidate election workers for doing their jobs. The American voting system is secure and we are dedicated to ensuring it stays that way.’
The FBI Denver Field Office investigated the case, with the assistance of the FBI Omaha Field Office.
Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron M. Teitelbaum and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyrus Y. Chung for the District of Colorado provided substantial assistance.
This case is part of the Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force. Announced by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and launched by Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco in June 2021, the Task Force has led the department’s efforts to address threats of violence against election workers, and to ensure that all election workers — whether elected, appointed, or volunteer — are able to do their jobs free from threats and intimidation.
Defendant: Travis Ford
Criminal Charges: Making Multiple Threatening Posts on an Instagram Page Associated with an Election Official
City and State: Lincoln, Nebraska
Exact Date: Not specified
Sentence or Outcome: 18 months in prison
Dollar Amounts: None
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Key Facts
- State: Nebraska
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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