A West Virginia man was apprehended on Thursday following allegations of engaging in intimidating behavior directed at jurors and witnesses involved in the federal trial against the Pittsburgh synagogue shooter, as stated by prosecutors, CNN reported.
West Virginia Man Faces Charges
The West Virginia man in question, Hardy Carroll Lloyd, aged 45, faces charges that include witness tampering, transmitting threats, and obstruction of justice. Prosecutors have identified the West Virginia man as a self-proclaimed leader of a White supremacy movement. The US Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of West Virginia issued a statement on Thursday detailing the charges against Lloyd.
According to prosecutors, the West Virginia man is accused of making threatening posts on social media, online comments, and emails aimed at jurors and witnesses in the trial of Robert Bowers. Bowers, who carried out a fatal attack on a Pittsburgh synagogue in 2018, was sentenced to death last week after being found guilty on 63 federal charges, including murder and hate crimes.
The charges against the West Virginia man, Lloyd allege that he began posting online about Bowers’ trial in early May, while the jury selection process was ongoing. The threatening posts continued until the jury delivered its verdict in June.
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West Virginia Man’s Emails and Online Statements
Lloyd, the West Virginia man’s emails and online statements were reported to encourage acts resembling the 2018 shooting and express support for the perpetrator. Additionally, he allegedly sought to identify information about trial jurors and witnesses.
The affidavit outlines that the West Virginia man emailed various recipients, including local news outlets covering the trial, with a threatening message about a juror who was killed after voting against a defendant in another case. He was also reported to have posted photos of victims and witnesses on his website, labeling them as “enemies” and providing information for individuals he referred to as “Lone Wolves.”
The case highlights the significance of upholding jury trials’ integrity and preventing any attempts to intimidate jurors or witnesses. Prosecutors emphasize that such actions will be met with a strong response.
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