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Press Release

Former Augusta Man Indicted for Threatening Federal Officials

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Maine

Contact: Chris Ruge
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373

Bangor, Maine:  United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Peter Hamilton, a/k/a “Peter W. Merriman,” and “Peter M. Hooper,” 65, recently of Augusta, Maine, was charged by indictment in U.S. District Court for threatening federal officials.

According to court records, between May 2014 and May 2016, the defendant wrote messages and made statements threatening to kill President Barack Obama and U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree.

The defendant made an initial appearance by video teleconference today in U.S. District Court.  He faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and U.S. Capitol Police.

An indictment is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Updated November 17, 2016
Component
USAO - Maine

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