Georgia Poll Worker Arrested for Threatening Election Officials

In a troubling case from Jones County, Georgia, 25-year-old Nicholas Wimbish of Milledgeville was arrested for allegedly mailing a threatening letter to the county’s Elections Superintendent. Wimbish, who worked as a poll worker on October 16, reportedly had a confrontation with a voter, leading to a chain of escalating actions that culminated in his arrest.

Threats and Intimidation Against Election Staff

According to court documents, after his argument with a voter, Wimbish conducted online searches to see what personal information about himself was publicly accessible. The following day, he allegedly mailed a letter to the Jones County Elections Superintendent, disguising it as a message from a “Jones County Voter.” The letter accused Wimbish of “distracting voters” and “conspiring votes,” adopting the tone of a frustrated citizen.

The letter then issued alarming threats against Wimbish and other election staff, suggesting they “should look over their shoulder” and claiming knowledge of where they “all live.” It included threats of violence against male and female workers, referencing physical assault and sexual violence. A handwritten note in the postscript added a bomb threat, stating, “PS boom toy in early vote place, cigar burning, be safe.”

Federal Charges and Potential Penalties

The U.S. Justice Department has charged Wimbish with multiple offenses, including mailing a bomb threat, conveying false information about a bomb threat, mailing a threatening letter, and making false statements to the FBI. If convicted on all charges, Wimbish could face a maximum of 25 years in federal prison.

The charges were announced by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary for the Middle District of Georgia. The FBI’s Atlanta Field Office is leading the investigation, with Trial Attorney Jacob R. Steiner and Assistant U.S. Attorney Will R. Keyes prosecuting the case.

Justice Department’s Commitment to Protect Election Workers

This case is part of the Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force, established in June 2021 by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. Formed to address the growing threats against election officials and workers, the task force aims to create a secure environment for those engaged in election duties.

Under Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco’s leadership, the task force works closely with various DOJ entities, including the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security, to prosecute threats against election staff. Collaborating with FBI Field Offices and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices nationwide, the task force has conducted numerous investigations to ensure election workers can perform their duties without fear of intimidation or violence.

Reporting Election-Related Threats

The Justice Department encourages anyone aware of threats or violence against election workers to report them. Contact information for local FBI offices is available at www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices or by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI. Complaints can also be submitted online at www.tips.fbi.gov. For emergencies, local law enforcement or 911 should be contacted immediately.

The department’s initiative to safeguard election workers underscores its commitment to a fair election process. It asserts that any intimidation or violence against these essential personnel will face the full force of the law.