Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — Federal prosecutors have charged a Pennsylvania man accused of sending disturbing and violent emails threatening multiple individuals, including messages that allegedly referenced killing victims and targeting their families.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 31-year-old John Radford was indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on two counts of making interstate threats.
Federal Authorities Detail Disturbing Threats
Prosecutors allege Radford sent a threatening email to one victim in December 2024, containing graphic language and violent threats.
According to the Department of Justice release, the email allegedly stated:
“I say we blow your head off with a shotgun!”
Authorities say Radford allegedly went further by identifying a specific firearm in the threatening message.
Radford then allegedly described the shotgun as a “mosberg 940” and told the victim it would be used “late at night when you’re walk back to your car,” the release states.
Federal investigators say the threatening language formed part of the basis for the criminal charges now filed against him.
Second Email Allegedly Mentioned Victim’s Family
Prosecutors also described another alleged threatening message sent in September 2025 to a different victim.
According to the indictment, Radford allegedly warned the person that a “list” of “people…ahead of you” was the only thing keeping them alive.
Authorities further allege that the defendant suggested he could easily locate the victim and specifically referenced their spouse and children in the message.
Radford allegedly added that the victim wouldn’t be “too difficult” to find and identified their spouse and children in the email, prosecutors said.
The allegations have raised concerns because of the highly personal nature of the threats and the references to family members.
Authorities Have Not Released Victims’ Information
Federal officials have not disclosed where the victims lived or whether they personally knew Radford before the alleged emails were sent.
Investigators also have not publicly shared additional details about what may have motivated the alleged threats.
The case is being handled in federal court because the communications allegedly crossed state lines, making them subject to federal prosecution under interstate threat laws.
Potential Prison Time if Convicted
If convicted on the charges, Radford could face up to five years in prison for each count, according to prosecutors.
He may also face fines of up to $250,000 per count, or both imprisonment and financial penalties.
Federal authorities noted that any eventual sentence would depend on several factors, including the seriousness of the offenses and the defendant’s criminal history, if any exists.
Growing Concerns Over Online Threats
The case highlights the growing concern among law enforcement agencies regarding violent threats sent electronically, particularly when they involve detailed descriptions of weapons or references to victims’ families.
Federal prosecutors frequently treat interstate threats seriously, especially when messages contain specific details that could place victims in fear for their safety.
While the allegations remain accusations at this stage, the case is expected to proceed through the federal court system in Pittsburgh.
What do you think about cases involving violent online threats and intimidation? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
