Source: Office of United States Attorneys
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Kenneth J. Ward, Jr. pleaded guilty to an indictment charging him with threatening to assault and murder a United States District Judge (the District Judge). Today’s proceeding was held before United States District Judge John P. Cronan sitting by designation. When sentenced, Ward faces up to 10 years in prison.
John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced the guilty plea.
“The judges and other court officials who work every day to keep our country safe and uphold the rule of law should not have to fear for their lives for doing their jobs,” stated United States Attorney Durham. “Threatening judges strikes at the very heart of our system. This Office has no tolerance for violence or threats of violence against public servants. We will prosecute offenders like the defendant to the fullest extent of the law.”
Mr. Durham praised the outstanding work of the United States Marshals Service on the case.
The charge is based on Ward’s threat at a telephone status conference in his pro se civil action, which was filed in federal court in Brooklyn. Ward’s civil case was assigned to the District Judge, who ultimately dismissed most of Ward’s claims. On July 15, 2024, Ward participated in a telephonic conference in connection with his case. During that conference, which was recorded, the defendant became angry and threatened to choke the District Judge “to death.” “And that’s on the f—ing – on the record,” Ward stated. At the plea hearing, Ward admitted that he made the threat in retaliation for the judge’s ruling against him in his civil case.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Section. Trial Attorney Leonid Sandlar is in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
KENNETH J. WARD JR.
Age: 59
Glendale, Queens
E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-401