Pittsburgh, PA. — A Philadelphia resident has pleaded guilty in federal court to threatening to kill a Pennsylvania poll watcher in a series of violent messages sent ahead of the 2024 election, federal prosecutors announced.
John Courtney Pollard, 63, entered his plea before U.S. District Judge Cathy Bissoon to one count of making interstate threats. According to court filings, Pollard sent four iMessages on September 6, 2024, to a Regional Election Integrity Director whose phone number had been publicly posted as part of efforts to recruit poll observers.
Prosecutors said Pollard initially indicated interest in serving as a poll watcher, but within minutes escalated to explicit threats, including: “I will KILL YOU IF YOU DON’T ANSWER ME!”, “Your days are numbered, B****!”, and a final message threatening to “skin you alive.”
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti emphasized that such conduct undermines the integrity of the election process. “Election workers, including volunteers and poll watchers, must be able to do their jobs without fear of threats and intimidation,” Rivetti said, noting a rise in online threats targeting election personnel.
FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek said threats against those safeguarding elections “will not be tolerated,” adding that offenders who “weaponize fear” will be held accountable.
Pollard faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. The actual penalty will be determined under federal sentencing guidelines, taking into account the seriousness of the offense and Pollard’s criminal history. Sentencing is scheduled for March 31, 2026.
The FBI conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole A. Stockey is prosecuting the case.
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