Nicole M. Argentieri Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General | Official Website
A Florida dentist, Richard Glenn Kantwill, has admitted guilt to sending threats to multiple individuals, including an election official. The guilty plea was entered today for incidents occurring between 2019 and 2024.
Court documents reveal that from September 2019 to July 2020, Kantwill, aged 61 and residing in Tampa, issued over 100 threats through Facebook, Instagram messages, email, and text. These threats targeted public figures based on their political commentary. Specific instances include a threat sent via email to an author, a text message threat to a religious figure, and an Instagram threat directed at a television personality. Additionally, from April 2022 to April 2024, Kantwill sent seven more threats through Facebook to four public figures. Among these was a threat against an election official in another state on February 9.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland stated: “With this plea, the Justice Department is ensuring that Richard Kantwill faces accountability for targeting an election official and other public figures with over 100 heinous threats.” He emphasized the department's commitment to combating violent threats against those administering elections.
FBI Director Christopher Wray commented: “Today’s guilty plea is the next step in holding Richard Kantwill accountable for his almost year-long campaign of terror." He stressed the illegality of using electronic communications for violent threats and assured continued FBI efforts against such actions.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri remarked: “Richard Kantwill sent more than 100 violent threats to multiple public figures, including an election official.” She reiterated the Justice Department's zero tolerance for intimidation aimed at public servants.
Kantwill has pleaded guilty to four counts of interstate transmission of a threat. Each count carries a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge considering U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutory factors.
The FBI is leading the investigation into this case. Trial Attorney Aaron L. Jennen from the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section (PIN) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Abigail K. King from the Middle District of Florida are prosecuting with support from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado.
This case falls under the purview of the Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force established by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in June 2021 with Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco's launch assistance. The task force aims to address violence threats against election workers while ensuring their safety during duty execution without intimidation or fear.
The task force collaborates with local law enforcement agencies nationwide and continues its mission three years post-formation alongside FBI Field Offices and U.S Attorneys’ Offices across America.
For reporting suspected threats or violent acts related inquiries can be directed towards local FBI offices or through contact numbers provided by them online at www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/. In emergencies posing imminent danger call emergency services immediately via dialing '911'.
