Peter D. Leary, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia
A former poll worker from Georgia has admitted guilt in a case involving threats against a voting location. Nicholas Wimbish, 25, from Milledgeville, pleaded guilty to charges of conveying false information about a bomb threat and making hoaxes. The plea was entered before U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on February 14. Wimbish could face up to five years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. His sentencing is set for May 13.
Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker emphasized the seriousness of such threats: “Bomb hoaxes and similar threats create grave and unnecessary disruptions in our communities, pulling vital law enforcement resources and terrifying people.” She assured that the office takes these threats seriously and will pursue federal prosecution when necessary.
Robert Gibbs, Supervisory Senior Resident Agent at FBI Atlanta’s Macon office, stated: “The FBI takes all threat-to-life matters very seriously.” He added that the arrest demonstrates the FBI's commitment to holding accountable those who attempt to intimidate public officials or interfere with elections.
Court documents reveal that Wimbish was working as a poll worker at the Jones County Elections Office in Gray, Georgia on October 16, 2024. After an altercation with a voter, he researched online and drafted a letter posing as the voter threatening to bomb the polling place. The letter was mailed on October 17 and received by the election office on October 22.
Wimbish admitted he intended for the letter to appear as if it came from the voter, including specific details targeting himself and other poll workers. The letter contained several threats against them and referenced an explosive device using terms like "boom toy." Wimbish also confessed to lying to FBI agents during their investigation by falsely claiming he believed another individual sent the letter.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI Atlanta Field Office. Deputy Criminal Chief William R. "Will" Keyes and Trial Attorney Madison Mumma are prosecuting the case with assistance from Senior Counsel Ryan Dickey.