A Dallas County man has admitted to making violent threats against a Sikh nonprofit organization, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna for the District of New Jersey and Deputy Assistant Attorney General Kathleen Wolfe of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
Bushan Athale, 49, pleaded guilty in Camden federal court before U.S. District Judge Edward S. Kiel. He was charged with one count of interfering with federally protected activities through the threatened use of a dangerous weapon and one count of transmitting an interstate threat to injure another person. Sentencing is set for June 3, 2025.
“Threats of violence have no place in our society,” stated Vikas Khanna. “Every individual in this country must be free to practice their religion without fear of violence or persecution.”
Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office, emphasized the right to safety and security: “We are deeply grateful to our law enforcement and community partners who stand with us daily.”
Court documents reveal that on September 17, 2022, Athale called a Sikh civil rights organization multiple times over an hour, leaving seven voicemails filled with hate and threats towards Sikh individuals at the organization. His messages included violent imagery and obscenities targeting significant aspects of the Sikh religion.
On March 21, 2024, Athale again left threatening voicemails at the same organization using similar hateful language towards Sikhs and Muslims while also expressing antisemitic sentiments.
Athale admitted during his plea that he had previously sent threatening electronic messages rooted in religious animus. In November 2021, he sent messages expressing hatred towards Pakistanis and Muslims to a former co-worker. From May 28 to May 31, 2024, he sent threats to a recruiter he believed was Muslim.
The charges carry potential penalties including up to ten years in prison for interfering with federally protected activities and five years for transmitting an interstate threat. Both charges also include possible fines up to $250,000.
Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna credited special agents from the FBI's Philadelphia Division for their investigation leading up to Athale's guilty plea.
The prosecution team includes Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sara A. Aliabadi and Jason M. Richardson from Camden's Civil Rights Division as well as Trial Attorney Eric Peffley from the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
Defense Counsel is AFPD Maggie Moy.
