A former Middlesex County sheriff's deputy has been indicted for threatening a violent attack on the Plymouth County Courthouse and its personnel.
Yesterday, a federal grand jury in Boston indicted Joshua P. Ford, 42, on three counts of interstate transmission of a threatening communication. In his disturbing threats, he called for a "war" against the justice system he once served, targeting not only the courthouse itself but also the law enforcement officers who keep it secure. Ford is currently in state custody and set to appear in U.S. District Court at a later date, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Ford's indictment states that, on March 13, 2023, he sent 12 emails to approximately 140 people, mostly Massachusetts law enforcement officers. In the emails, he called on his former colleagues to "suit up for a fight" and arm themselves with weapons and armored vehicles. The following day, he threatened to burn down the courthouse, showing his complete disregard for the justice system he once swore to protect.
He also posted an 11-minute video on YouTube and the British video hosting platform, BitChute, titled "War Has Been Declared F***'em All." The video that features Ford discussing his feelings of personal vendetta against the Middlesex County Sheriff's officers, whom he holds responsible for what he perceives as a corrupt justice system. He goes on to threaten violence against court officers and security personnel, ultimately calling on others to join him in an armed insurrection to destroy the courthouse.
Ford's threats and plans were promptly intercepted by law enforcement officials. As a result, the authorities arrested Ford on March 13, 2023, before the scheduled time of his assault. Thanks to their quick response, the courthouse and those within it remained unharmed.
If convicted, Ford faces a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count of interstate transmission of a threatening communication, the Department of Justice reports. The penalties are decided by a federal district court judge based on the applicable statutes and the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
