Nevada Man Sentenced To Prison For Threatening United States Senators

LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man who pleaded guilty to threatening a United States Senator from Nevada and threatening family members of two United States Senators was sentenced today to 46 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release.

According to court documents, from October 11 to 25, 2023, John Anthony Miller left numerous threatening voicemails at the offices of two United States Senators. Miller threatened to assault and murder a United States Senator with intent to impede, intimidate, and interfere with the United States Senator while engaged in the performance of official duties, and with intent to retaliate against the United States Senator on account of the performance of official duties.

On October 24 and October 25, Miller threatened to assault and murder a member of the immediate family of two United States Senators, with intent to impede, intimidate, and interfere with the United States Senators while engaged in the performance of official duties, and with intent to retaliate against the United States Senators on account of the performance of official duties.

“The threats against these U.S. Senators and their families were vile, dehumanizing, and shameful,” said Sue J. Bai, head of the National Security Division. “Today’s sentence reflects the Department’s firm resolve to holding accountable those who seek to intimidate and harm our public officials. Such threats of violence have no place in our country.”

“With today’s sentencing, the defendant will pay the price for making threats of violence,” said Assistant Director Donald M. Holstead of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division. “It is unacceptable to threaten public officials or anyone else, and the FBI will work with our law enforcement partners to identify and hold accountable anyone who engages in such illegal activity.”

“Violent threats against any individual are unacceptable, but when they are directed at elected officials and their family members, threats have the potential to impact democracy itself by silencing those chosen to represent the American People,” said Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI Las Vegas Division. “The sentencing of John Anthony Miller exemplifies the FBI's commitment to hold accountable those who seek to illegally threaten or intimidate others.”

Miller pleaded guilty to one-count of threatening a federal official and two-counts of influencing, impeding, or retaliating against a federal official by threatening a family member. United States District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey presided over the sentencing hearing.

This case was investigated by the FBI Las Vegas Division with valuable assistance provided by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the U.S. Capitol Police. Assistant United States Attorneys Jacob Operskalski and Daniel R. Schiess prosecuted the case.

To report suspected threats or violent acts, contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or file an online complaint at www.tips.fbi.gov. If someone is in imminent danger or risk of harm, contact 911 or your local police immediately.

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