Federal Prisoner Sentenced for Mailing Threats to Government Officials

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Stephen Elbert Boykin, age 52, a federal prisoner at Federal Correctional Institution Gilmer, was sentenced today to an additional 51 months in federal prison for mailing threats directed at government officials and family members.

According to court documents and statements made in court, prison staff intercepted several threatening letters Boykin attempted to mail while incarcerated. In a few of the letters, the threats were directed at President Barrack Obama and Michelle Obama, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and Vice President Kamala Harris. Other letters threatened an Assistant U.S. Attorney in South Carolina, where Boykin was last prosecuted.

At the time of the crime, Boykin was serving a 125-month sentence for mailing threatening communications to federal officials.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons investigated.

Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.