Philadelphia Man Sentenced in Threat Case

John Courtney Pollard, 63, of Philadelphia, has been sentenced to 10 months in prison after being convicted of threatening to kill a poll watcher. The sentencing took place following threats made on September 6, 2024, to a regional election integrity director.

Details of the Threat

Pollard sent a series of threatening messages, including a particularly graphic statement: “GONNA FING FIND YOU AND SKIN YOU ALIVE AND USE YOUR SKIN FOR FING TOILET PAPER, YOU F*ING ***T!” These threats were sent after the victim publicly posted on social media seeking volunteers to monitor polls during an upcoming Election Day.

Initial Interest and Subsequent Threats

Court documents reveal that Pollard initially expressed interest in serving as a poll watcher himself. However, he quickly transitioned to making violent threats after the victim’s recruitment post.

Sentencing and Additional Penalties

In addition to the 10-month prison sentence, Pollard was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine and will serve one year of probation upon his release. The sentencing reflects the seriousness of the offense and aims to deter similar behavior.

Statement from the US Attorney

Troy Rivetti, United States Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania, stated, “This prosecution, and the Court’s sentence of incarceration in the Bureau of Prisons, sends a clear and unmistakable message that threats against election workers and other public servants will be met with swift, certain, and just punishment.” He further emphasized the commitment of his office and law enforcement partners to protecting free and fair elections.

Impact on the Victim

The victim testified during Pollard’s trial that the threats initiated a year-long period of fear and constant vigilance. “Many of us are simply fulfilling our civic duty, yet we are becoming targets of a kind of hatred that is difficult to describe,” the victim stated in court documents.