Penn. man faces federal charges over alleged threats sent in emails to multiple victims

A Pennsylvania man has been indicted by a federal grand jury after prosecutors allege he sent a series of threatening emails targeting multiple victims across state lines, including threats involving violence against one victim’s spouse and children.

John Radford, 31, was indicted on two counts of making interstate threats on Thursday, May 21, 2026, according to a press release from the U.S. Department of Justice.

Authorities say the alleged conduct occurred over separate incidents spanning December 2024 and September 2025.

Prosecutors allege that in one December 2024 email, Radford wrote, “I say we blow your head off with a shotgun!”

He allegedly went on to describe the weapon as a “mosberg 940” and claimed it would be used “late at night when you’re walk back to your car,” according to the indictment cited by the DOJ.

In a separate alleged email sent in September 2025, Radford reportedly referenced a “list” of people and told the recipient that those listed ahead of them were “all there is keeping you alive.”

He also allegedly suggested the victim would not be “too difficult” to locate and included references to the victim’s spouse and children.

Authorities have not disclosed how Radford allegedly knew the victims or where they reside.

If convicted, Radford faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count, with sentencing to be determined based on the seriousness of the offenses and any prior criminal history.

The case remains under federal investigation.