Federal Indictment Alleges Man Made Violent Threats Against Former Classmates and Coworkers
NEWPORT NEWS, VIRGINIA — A federal grand jury has indicted a 50-year-old man on multiple felony charges, accusing him of making violent threats online against former classmates and coworkers.
Court documents reveal that the indictment, unsealed last week in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, charges William Joseph Wheeler with four counts of transmitting threats to kidnap or injure others using interstate communications under 18 U.S.C. § 875(c).
Alleged Threats on Social Media
Prosecutors said Wheeler, who currently lives in Panama, sent threatening messages via Classmates.com and Facebook between February and March of 2024 and 2025.
The indictment alleges Wheeler referenced firearms and expressed his intent to harm specific individuals. In one message, he reportedly claimed to have “a 12 gauge autoloader, a Glock, and lots of ammo,” saying he wanted to “take care of some unfinished business.”
Another threat allegedly included a former classmate’s photo with the statement that he planned to “put an end” to the individual.
Graphic Threats Against Coworker
The indictment also accuses Wheeler of sending graphic threats to a former coworker. According to prosecutors, he threatened to kill the woman, her husband, and their daughters, even claiming he would pay money to have them “taken care of.”
FBI Investigation and Prosecution
The FBI led the investigation, and the case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Osyf.
Although Wheeler allegedly posted the threats while outside the United States, the case is being tried in Newport News because several of the intended victims live within the Eastern District of Virginia. Federal law allows charges to be brought in the district where threatening communications are received.
If convicted, Wheeler faces up to five years in prison on each count.
The case underscores the growing concern over violent threats made through online platforms and how federal authorities are addressing interstate and international communications. For updates on federal court cases and community safety, follow ChicagoMusicGuide.com.