Former Georgia Poll Worker Admits to Mailing Bomb Threat, Lying to FBI
A former Georgia poll worker has pleaded guilty to mailing a bomb threat targeting a Jones County election precinct and lying to the FBI during the investigation.
Nicholas Wimbish, 25, of Milledgeville, pleaded guilty to conveying false information about a bomb threat and making hoaxes before U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on Feb. 14. He faces up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for May 13.
“Bomb hoaxes and similar threats create grave and unnecessary disruptions in our communities, pulling vital law enforcement resources and terrifying people,” said Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker. “Our office and law enforcement partners take these types of threats seriously and will pursue federal prosecution when warranted.”
According to court records, Wimbish worked as a poll worker at the Jones County Elections Office in Gray, Georgia, on Oct. 16, 2024. After a verbal altercation with a voter that day, he conducted online research and drafted a threatening letter impersonating the voter. He mailed the letter on Oct. 17, 2024, addressing it to the Jones County Elections Superintendent. It arrived on Oct. 22, 2024.
The letter, which Wimbish intended to appear as if it was written by the voter, contained threats against him and other poll workers. It accused Wimbish of attempting to influence voters and included statements such as “they should watch every move they make looking over their shoulder” and threats of violence, including “rage rape” against female poll workers. A handwritten note at the bottom read, “PS boom toy in early vote place, cigar burning, be safe,” which Wimbish admitted was a reference to an explosive device.
Wimbish later lied to FBI agents, claiming he believed the voter had sent the letter and denying that he had researched himself online. The letter was found on Wimbish’s computer.
“The FBI takes all threat-to-life matters very seriously,” said Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Robert Gibbs of the FBI Atlanta Field Office. “This arrest demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to hold accountable anyone who tries to intimidate a public official or interfere with the elections process.”
The FBI Atlanta Field Office investigated the case. Prosecutors include Deputy Criminal Chief William R. “Will” Keyes and Trial Attorney Madison Mumma of the Department of Justice’s Public Integrity Section, with assistance from Senior Counsel Ryan Dickey of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section.
