Philadelphia Man Sentenced for Threatening Congresswoman's Staff Member

PHILADELPHIA—Today, Jesse Keel, 44, of Philadelphia, was sentenced to a term of three years' probation by the Honorable Timothy R. Rice, United States Magistrate Judge, for threatening a staff member working in the Philadelphia office of Congresswoman Allyson Y. Schwartz, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. This charge arose from Keel's telephone call on August 10, 2010 to Congresswoman Schwartz's office, during which he threatened to shoot a staff member and others in the office. On March 18, 2011, Keel pled guilty before Judge Rice to a one-count information charging him with intimidating and interfering with an employee of the United States.

According to the affidavit in support of the complaint and warrant for Keel's arrest issued on August 27, 2010, Keel stated in the telephone call to Congresswoman Schwartz's office that he had a problem and needed help, that he was not far away, was an ex-Marine, could jump on the bus with a rifle, stand on the roof across the street from the congressional office, and shoot the staff member or everyone in the office.

In addition to the three-year period of probation, Judge Rice ordered Keel to continue to participate in regular mental health treatment and drug testing.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert K. Reed.