James Dale Reed is charged with threatening a presidential and vice presidential candidates. 
Baltimore, Md (KM) A federal grand jury late Wednesday indicted James Dale Reed, 42, of Frederick for threatening a major candidate for President and Vice President, specifically former Vice President Joe Biden, who was the Democratic candidate for President, and Senator Kamela Harris, his Vice Presidential running mate.
The US Attorney’s Office for Maryland says Reed is currently in state custody, and a federal detainer has been lodged against him to ensure that he appears in US District Court.
Federal officials say during the early morning hours of Sunday, October 4th, 2020, a letter was left on the doorstep of a home in Frederick threatening physical harm to Biden and Harris, with their executions to be broadcast live on national television. The suspect’s image was captured on the home’s door camera.
The homeowner had placed signs in the front yard expressing support for Biden and Harris.
“We take these types of threats extremely seriously. The right to vote and peacefully support the candidate of your choice are bedrocks of our democracy,” said US Attorney for Maryland Robert Hur, in a statement. “Alleged conduct like this that threatens major candidates and fellow citizens only undermines our democracy and the principals up which America was founded. We will hold accountable those who seek to intimidate, harass or dissuade Americans from exercising their right to vote.”
If convicted, Reed could face a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.
Federal prosecutors say an indictment is not a finding of guilt, and all individuals who are charged are innocent until proven guilty.
By Kevin McManus