A Philadelphia resident has pleaded guilty in federal court to threatening a poll watcher in the Western District of Pennsylvania, according to an announcement from First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti.
John Courtney Pollard, 63, admitted guilt before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon to one count of making interstate threats. The charge stems from an incident on September 6, 2024, when Pollard sent four iMessages over about ten minutes to a Regional Election Integrity Director identified as Victim 1. Victim 1 had posted online while working for a state political party and included a phone number while recruiting volunteers to observe polls on Election Day.
Pollard initially expressed interest in being a poll watcher but then sent three messages containing threats:
• “I will KILL YOU IF YOU DON’T ANSWER ME!”
• “Your days are numbered, B****!”
• “GONNA F***ING FIND YOU AND SKIN YOU ALIVE AND USE YOUR SKIN FOR F***ING TOILET PAPER, YOU F***ING KKK**T!”
“Election workers, including volunteers and poll watchers, must be able to do their jobs without fear of threats and intimidation,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Rivetti. “Unfortunately, online threats are increasing, as individuals appear to believe that they can hide behind their keyboards. We are committed to using all of our law enforcement tools to investigate and prosecute these offenders to the fullest extent of the law.”
FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek stated: “Ensuring free and fair elections is a cornerstone of our system of government. Threatening those tasked with protecting the integrity of elections will not be tolerated. Threats such as these carry very real consequences. The FBI and our partners will hold accountable anyone who thinks they can weaponize fear to influence our election process.”
Judge Bissoon set sentencing for March 31, 2026. Pollard faces up to five years in prison and a possible $250,000 fine; however, the actual sentence will depend on federal guidelines and his criminal history.
Assistant United States Attorney Nicole A. Stockey is prosecuting the case for the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation.
