Daniel P. Bubar Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina | U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina
An American citizen residing in Thailand has admitted to making threats against U.S. Senator Thom Tillis and his staff. Eric Charles Welton, 53, confessed in court to committing a federal offense by threatening a public official.
Court records reveal that Welton made multiple intimidating phone calls to Republican officials and organizations in the United States due to frustration over unsolicited political emails. During a call in September 2021, Welton threatened a staff member at Senator Tillis's Raleigh office with violence. Additionally, he warned of visiting North Carolina with the intent of causing harm.
Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney, condemned Welton's actions. "Threatening to kill a public official and his staff is not only despicable, but also an affront to our democratic system of government. Our office will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute threats or intimidation against public officials, so they can properly carry out their important duties."
Robert M. DeWitt, FBI Special Agent in Charge in North Carolina, commented on the threat: "It is unacceptable to make violent threats against anyone. But when threats are directed at elected officials, it can impact their ability to effectively serve their constituents and their country. The FBI will not tolerate this type of intimidation for any reason especially when it comes to those who help run our democracy."
Welton admitted guilt for violating 18 U.S.C. § 115(a)(1)(B) and may receive a sentence of up to 10 years when he appears in court in July.
The announcement of the guilty plea was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar following acceptance by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Federal Bureau of Investigation handled the investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Warlick leads the prosecution.
Further documents and details related to the case are accessible through the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or via PACER under Case No. 5:23-CR-192-M-RN.
