A Durango-area man has been convicted in federal court after prosecutors say he flooded a law-enforcement officer’s inbox with graphic death threats while he was already awaiting sentencing in a separate threats case involving the San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office. The barrage of messages triggered an FBI investigation and a federal prosecution that centered on more than 80 emails.
Federal prosecutors identified the defendant as 41-year-old Bryan Cornwell of Norwood and said a jury found him guilty on two counts of transmitting threats in interstate commerce and not guilty on a third count. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado, the emails, sent between late August and late October 2023, repeatedly included statements such as “I AM GOING TO KILL YOU.”
FBI reiterates that threats to officers are pursued
In a post on X, FBI Denver highlighted the case and quoted Acting Special Agent in Charge Amanda Koldjeski, who said that when law-enforcement officers are threatened, the FBI will “identify you, arrest you and ensure justice is served.” The agency cast the post as part of a continuing push to deter and investigate threats aimed at public-safety personnel.
Case details and local ties
Prosecutors say Cornwell sent more than 80 emails that included graphic threats and repeated declarations that he intended to kill the officer. They also said Cornwell was awaiting sentencing in a separate case in which he admitted threatening to blow up the San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office. Local reporting notes that Cornwell had previously worked as a Telluride ski patroller who handled explosives for avalanche mitigation, details reported by KKTV.
Federal charges and penalties
Cornwell’s two convictions are for transmitting threats in interstate commerce, a federal crime that can carry substantial prison time. Under 18 U.S.C. § 875(c), transmitting a threat to injure or kill can be punished by up to five years in prison for each count, according to guidance and model instructions from the United States Courts.
What comes next and how to report threats
Court records and local reporting showed that Cornwell had been slated for sentencing on April 2, 2025, in Durango. Federal authorities have signaled they will continue to pursue criminal charges in cases involving threats against public servants. The FBI urges anyone with relevant information to contact local law enforcement, call 1-800-CALL-FBI, or submit tips through its online portal.
For more on the case and how to report similar conduct, see coverage from Denver7 and the reporting guidance from FBI Denver.
