Earlier today in Brooklyn federal court, Kenneth J. Ward Jr. admitted to charges of threatening a United States District Judge. The proceeding was overseen by United States District Judge John P. Cronan, who was sitting by designation. Ward could face up to 10 years in prison upon sentencing.
The announcement of the guilty plea came from John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York.
"The judges and other court officials who work every day to keep our country safe and uphold the rule of law should not have to fear for their lives for doing their jobs," stated United States Attorney Durham. "Threatening judges strikes at the very heart of our system. This Office has no tolerance for violence or threats of violence against public servants. We will prosecute offenders like the defendant to the fullest extent of the law."
Durham also commended the efforts of the United States Marshals Service on this case.
Ward's charge stemmed from a threat made during a telephone status conference related to his pro se civil action filed in Brooklyn federal court. His civil case was assigned to the District Judge, who dismissed most of Ward's claims. On July 15, 2024, during a telephonic conference that was recorded, Ward became agitated and threatened to choke the judge "to death." He emphasized that his statement was "on the f---ing – on the record." At his plea hearing, Ward acknowledged making this threat as retaliation for an unfavorable ruling in his civil case.
The government's case is being managed by its General Crimes Section with Trial Attorney Leonid Sandlar leading the prosecution.
Kenneth J. Ward Jr., aged 59 from Glendale, Queens, faces serious legal consequences following today's developments.