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A York County man, Troy Lamont Rishell, aged 48, has pleaded guilty to charges of threatening a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Rishell admitted to leaving a series of intimidating voicemails at the representative's district office between February and May 2025. The specific member of Congress targeted by Rishell remains unidentified.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Capitol Police and the U.S. Secret Service. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, Rishell's actions were intended to intimidate the representative while they were engaged in their official duties.
Although the charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, Rishell's plea agreement includes a recommendation for a 24-month prison sentence, followed by three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. The final sentence will be determined by the court, taking into account federal sentencing statutes and guidelines.
Prosecutors have emphasized the seriousness of threats against public officials, noting the potential impact on their ability to perform their duties without fear of intimidation. The case highlights ongoing efforts to protect elected officials from threats and ensure their safety while serving the public.