A woman from California has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for transmitting a threat to a United States District Judge in the Northern District of Texas. The sentencing was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Nancy E. Larson.
Dolly Patterson pleaded guilty to sending a threatening message through an online contact form directed at a federal judge in Amarillo on or about April 16, 2023. The message stated: “Tell that anti-abortion judge he better watch his back . . . for the rest of his life!” Patterson admitted she sent the message from California to Texas with the intent that it be perceived as a genuine threat and understood it would be viewed as such. She also agreed that her communication met the definition of a true threat under federal law.
“The safety of our federal judiciary is paramount,” said Acting United States Attorney Nancy Larson. “Threats of violence to our judges are becoming all too common—whether made online or in person. Such threats are illegal and will be prosecuted.”
The United States Marshals Service conducted the investigation into this case.
