Somerset County Man Admits Threatening the Vice President of the United States

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Berlin, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of making a threat against the Vice President of the United States, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

William R. Dunbar, 23, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, on Sept. 8, 2017, while on military duty in Johnstown, Pa., Dunbar, made a threat against the Vice President of the United States, who was to arrive in Johnstown on Sept. 11, 2017. Three witnesses heard Dunbar specifically state he would kill the Vice President.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for April 12, 2018, at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 5 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie L. Haines, is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Secret Service conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of Dunbar.