PHILADELPHIA, PA — Keith Dougherty, 69, of College Park, Maryland, was convicted on Wednesday, May 14, of threatening federal judges and mailing threatening communications. The conviction includes one count of threatening to assault and murder judges with the intent to retaliate against them for their official duties, as well as three counts of mailing threatening communications.
The charges, brought by indictment in July 2024, stem from Dougherty’s history of sending threatening language to federal judges across several districts. Court records indicate that Dougherty had previously been convicted in December 2021 for similar conduct, resulting in a 41-month prison sentence followed by supervised release. However, during his supervised release period, Dougherty resumed making threats, leading to its revocation and his return to prison. While incarcerated, he continued sending threats, culminating in the recent charges and conviction.
“No judge should have to fear that one of their rulings might provoke a violent attack in response,” said U.S. Attorney David Metcalf. “Keith Dougherty knows that threatening judges is a crime. He’s already been prosecuted, convicted, and served previous time for sending these vile communications. His behavior is unacceptable, and today’s verdict ensures he’ll answer for it and remain safely behind bars.”
Sentencing has not yet been scheduled, but Dougherty faces a maximum possible penalty of 40 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and up to $1,000,000 in fines.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph LaBar.
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