November 19th, 2020 by WCBC Radio

WBAL reports a Frederick man was indicted late Wednesday for allegedly threatening President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, federal prosecutors said Thursday.

James Dale Reed, 42, was arrested on related state charges on Oct. 16 and remains held without bond. A federal warrant has been lodged against him as a detainer. A federal criminal complaint on the same charge was filed against Reed on Oct. 21.

“We take these types of threats extremely seriously.  The right to vote and peacefully support the candidate of your choice are bedrocks of our democracy,” U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur said in a statement.  “Alleged conduct like this that threatens major candidates and fellow citizens only undermines our democracy and the principles upon which America was founded.  We will hold accountable those who seek to intimidate, harass or dissuade Americans from exercising their right to vote.”

Early on Oct. 4, a letter threatening Biden and Harris with physical harm and execution was left on a Frederick resident's doorstep. The resident had several yard signs supporting the threatened candidates. Prosecutors allege Reed was seen on a door camera.

In the state case, Reed is charged with voter intimidation and threatening candidates. Charging documents filed by Frederick County prosecutors say Reed admitted leaving the letter as "a warning due to the signs he noticed of Biden-Harris, LGBTQ, BLM, and to everyone who support these officials or groups."

Charging documents say Reed admitted leaving the letter as "a warning due to the signs he noticed of Biden-Harris, LGBTQ, BLM, and to everyone who support these officials or groups."

Threatening a major candidate for president or vice president carries up to five years in federal prison if convicted.