In a recent court proceeding in Brooklyn, Kenneth J. Ward, Jr. confessed to making death threats against a U.S. District Judge, a move that could land him a maximum of 10 years behind bars. The plea was made before United States District Judge John P. Cronan, as reported by the Eastern District of New York’s U.S. Attorney's Office.

The charge stems from a July 2024 incident where Ward, during a telephonic status conference regarding his civil action case which had been mostly dismissed by the District Judge, became irate and explicitly threatened to "choke the District Judge 'to death.'" This inflammatory statement was recorded and ultimately led to his admission of guilt, as he acknowledged explicitly the threat was in retaliation against the judge's decision. "And that’s on the f---ing – on the record," Ward was quoted saying at the conference, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

United States Attorney John J. Durham condemned the act, highlighting the danger posed to the pillars of the American justice system when officials are targeted for fulfilling their duties. "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," Durham stated to the U.S. Attorney's Office. "Threatening judges strikes at the very heart of our system."

The U.S. Attorney's Office is taking Ward's case seriously, promising to unequivocally prosecute those who threaten public servants. "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," Durham outlined in a statement. The United States Marshals Service was also praised for their exceptional contribution to the recent case.

Responsibility for the government's prosecution lies with the Office's General Crimes Section, and Trial Attorney Leonid Sandlar is specifically tasked with leading the prosecution. Ward, who resides in Queens, is now awaiting sentencing, having acknowledged the gravity of his actions in court.