United States Attorney David Metcalf announced the conviction of Keith Dougherty, a 69-year-old resident of College Park, Maryland. Dougherty was found guilty at trial on one count of threatening to assault and murder United States judges with the intent to impede, intimidate, and interfere with them while they were engaged in their official duties. He was also convicted on three counts of mailing threatening communications.
Dougherty had been indicted for these offenses in July of the previous year. Court filings and trial evidence revealed that he repeatedly mailed or filed motions containing threatening language directed at federal judges across several districts. Previously, he was prosecuted and convicted by a federal jury in December 2021 for similar offenses, resulting in a 41-month prison sentence followed by three years of supervised release.
While on supervised release, Dougherty continued to make threatening communications, leading to its revocation and his return to prison. During this time, he again sent threats, prompting the charges in July 2024 and his recent conviction.
The sentencing date for Dougherty is yet to be determined. He faces a maximum possible sentence of 40 years' imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine.
U.S. Attorney Metcalf stated: "No judge should have to fear that one of their rulings might provoke a violent attack in response." He emphasized that Dougherty is aware that such threats are criminal acts and highlighted his previous prosecution and conviction for similar behavior. "His behavior is unacceptable," Metcalf added, noting that the verdict ensures Dougherty will remain incarcerated.
The U.S. Marshals Service conducted the investigation into this case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph LaBar.