Peoria, IL – A Peoria man has been sentenced to 3 1/2 years in federal prison after issuing threats against a U.S. District Court judge and several other individuals, federal authorities announced. Paul Jordan Klawer, 34, will also face a three-year term of supervised release following his incarceration.
In May 2022, while self-representing in a civil rights lawsuit, Klawer expressed his frustrations through violent threats directed at the judge overseeing his case. He communicated these threats through a letter to the attorney representing the opposing side. The threats included a warning to the judge, stating that Klawer would resort to violence if his demands were not met.
Klawer’s alarming messages did not stop at the judge. He further threatened to attack the Department of Human Services in Springfield, intensifying concerns about his intentions and the safety of public officials.
Authorities apprehended Klawer in December 2023, following the issuance of these threats. Initially pleading not guilty, Klawer later altered his plea in April, acknowledging his culpability in the criminal acts.
Ronald L. Hanna, an Assistant U.S. Attorney involved in the case, underscored the severity of Klawer’s actions. Hanna emphasized that the judicial system must operate without the influence of intimidation or fear so that judges can make unbiased and independent decisions. He stated, “The defendant’s actions were an attack on the justice system itself. We will not tolerate individuals who attempt to manipulate judicial outcomes through fear and intimidation.”
The statutory penalties Klawer faced for threatening a federal official could have led to up to 10 years in prison, followed by a maximum of three years of supervised release. His sentencing mirrors the judiciary’s commitment to protecting its members and upholding the rule of law, ensuring that similar acts of intimidation against public officials are met with decisive legal action.
This case serves as a stern reminder of the protections in place to maintain the integrity of the United States’ judicial system and the measures that will be enforced to safeguard its personnel from threats and harm. As Klawer serves his sentence and subsequent supervised release, the ramifications of his actions continue to resonate as a clear message against the use of threats to influence or intimidate justice.