Wesley B. Esper, Threats Involving Explosives, Ohio 2023

Akron Man Charged with Threats Involving Explosives and Killing Police Officers

A 33-year-old man from Akron, Ohio, has been indicted on federal charges for making threats involving explosives and interstate threats.

Wesley B. Esper was indicted on one count of interstate threats involving explosives and one count of interstate communications of threats.

The charges stem from posts Esper made on Facebook on June 21, in which he referenced making explosives and shooting police officers.

According to the indictment, Esper made numerous postings on Facebook that included messages such as: 'Kids the gov. is wrong and it's time. Stand up fight. Ohio is the key state. Shoot cops and politicians and any corrupt perversion of our liberty to life and freedom. Be John Dillinger, be a cowboy and don't give up the revolution. Am will to help assemble automatics and bombs. Thank you and bless. Tyrants and alike must answer to patriots and the people.'

Another post stated: 'Ohio is the most corrupt and has sold off our public institutions. Go out and shoot your governor. That piece of (expletive) should hang along with many local authoritarian creatures. Thank you. Please send me pics of your progress…Strategic acts of violence to put these tyrants in their place.'

The investigation was conducted by the Massillon Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Teresa Riley.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Esper's sentence will be determined by the Court after a review of factors unique to this case, including his prior criminal record, if any, his role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violations.

In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.

Wesley B. Esper, 33, of Akron, Ohio.

Defendant's full name: Wesley B. Esper.

Exact criminal charges: interstate threats involving explosives and interstate communications of threats.

City and state: Akron, Ohio.

Exact date: June 2023.

Sentence or outcome: pending.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndoh/pr/akron-man-indicted-making-threats-involving-explosives-and-killing-police-officers