October 22, 2014

Inmate Indicted for Threatening Federal Judge

HOUSTON—George Yarbrough, 42, a former resident of Houston, has been indicted for mailing threatening communication, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson.

Yarborough, who is currently in custody within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, is expected to be transferred to federal custody and make an initial appearance before U.S. magistrate judge in the near future.

The indictment alleges that on or about Sept. 26, 2014, Yarbrough knowingly mailed a threatening communication to a federal judge in Houston. The communication was received at the Bob Casey U.S. Courthouse at 515 Rusk St. in Houston and contained a threat to kill a specific U.S. District Judge, according to the allegations.

If convicted, Yarbrough faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 fine.

The case was investigated by the FBI and the U.S. Marshal’s Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mel Pehachek is prosecuting.

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.