Man Faces Federal Charges for Alleged Threats Against Election Official

Man Faces Federal Charges for Alleged Threats Against Election Official

A Pennsylvania man has been charged with federal offenses after allegedly threatening a poll worker.

At a Glance

  • Pennsylvania resident John Pollard charged with threatening a political party worker.
  • Pollard allegedly sent intimidating texts involving explicit threats of violence.
  • The Department of Justice’s Election Threats Task Force is handling the case.
  • If convicted, Pollard could face up to five years in prison.

Incident Overview

John Pollard, 62, from Philadelphia, is facing charges for allegedly threatening a Pennsylvania political party worker involved in poll watcher recruitment. The Department of Justice claims Pollard sent a series of menacing text messages on September 6, which included threats of extraordinary violence.

Pollard’s texts were not only violent but graphic, as he expressed using the recipient’s skin for toilet paper. Authorities say texts such as, “GONNA F—ING FIND YOU AND SKIN YOU ALIVE,” highlight the severity of the threats, John Pollard allegedly stated. These kinds of threats are an alarming trend in recent years, especially when aimed at those working the election processes.

Legal Proceedings

Pollard was arrested and appeared in federal court in Philadelphia. He is charged with one count of transmitting interstate threats, a charge that carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison if convicted. This case has drawn attention from the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania, both known for their commitment to protecting democratic processes.

“I will KILL YOU IF YOU DON’T ANSWER ME!” John Pollard reportedly said in one text message.

The FBI’s Pittsburgh Field Office is spearheading the investigation. They are part of the Election Threats Task Force, established in June 2021 to address threats against election workers. This task form is an effort to assure election workers that they can perform duties without fear of intimidation or harm.

The Larger Picture

Pollard’s case serves as a reminder of the ongoing threats faced by those involved in securing free and fair elections. The public is urged to report any threats or violent actions to the FBI or local law enforcement. This legal pursuit emphasizes the government’s intent to safeguard democratic processes and ensure election integrity.

This prosecution is a part of a broader strategy to discourage election-related threats, ensuring that democratic processes are safe for both participants and workers. The Justice Department emphasizes that an indictment is an allegation, reminding us of the due process owed to all defendants presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

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