Franklin County Man Charged With Threatening State Senator

HARRISBURG– The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Richard Little, age 49, of Franklin County, Pennsylvania, was charged in a criminal complaint with threatening a Pennsylvania State Senator and unlawfully possessing a firearm while being an unlawful user of a controlled substance.  A preliminary hearing was held today, and Magistrate Judge Daryl F. Bloom found probably cause for both charges.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, on or about June 10, 2024, Little was served with an eviction notice and began posting threatening videos on Facebook, including against a County Commissioner.  Among other things, in the videos, Little spoke of a “war” and described “kill zones” while displaying multiple firearms and ammunition in his residence. Little also showed marijuana in one video and admitted to using the controlled substance. Thereafter, on or about June 21, 2024, Little posted on his Facebook threatening remarks against a State Senator.

That same date, law enforcement arrested Little and searched his residence.  Inside, law enforcement seized several items, including approximately 17 firearms, ammunition, marijuana, illegal mushrooms, and drug paraphernalia.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Pennsylvania State Police.  Assistant U.S. Attorney K. Wesley (Wes) Mishoe is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for the charges against Little is 20 years imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, a fine, and special assessment. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

Charges are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

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