A Philadelphia man has pleaded guilty in federal court to making threats against a Pennsylvania poll watcher. John Courtney Pollard, 63, entered his plea before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon to one count of making interstate threats.
According to information presented in court, on September 6, 2024, Pollard sent four iMessages within about ten minutes to a Regional Election Integrity Director. The victim had previously posted online seeking volunteers for poll watching on Election Day and included their phone number. Pollard initially expressed interest in being a poll watcher using the victim’s first name but then sent three threatening messages: “I will KILL YOU IF YOU DON’T ANSWER ME!”; “Your days are numbered, B****!”; and “GONNA F***ING FIND YOU AND SKIN YOU ALIVE AND USE YOUR SKIN FOR F***ING TOILET PAPER, YOU F***ING KKK**T!”
First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti stated: “Election workers, including volunteers and poll watchers, must be able to do their jobs without fear of threats and intimidation. Unfortunately, online threats are increasing, as individuals appear to believe that they can hide behind their keyboards. We are committed to using all of our law enforcement tools to investigate and prosecute these offenders to the fullest extent of the law.”
FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek commented: “Ensuring free and fair elections is a cornerstone of our system of government. Threatening those tasked with protecting the integrity of elections will not be tolerated. Threats such as these carry very real consequences. The FBI and our partners will hold accountable anyone who thinks they can weaponize fear to influence our election process.”
Judge Bissoon set sentencing for March 31, 2026. Pollard faces up to five years in prison and a fine up to $250,000 under federal law. Sentencing guidelines require consideration of both the seriousness of the offense and any prior criminal history.
Assistant United States Attorney Nicole A. Stockey is prosecuting the case for the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation.
