RALEIGH, N.C. – Daniel R. Swain, 41, of Summerville, South Carolina, was arrested by the United States Secret Service in Apex, North Carolina, on a federal warrant. The warrant was issued following a federal criminal complaint that accuses Swain of threatening the life of the President of the United States.
The Threatening Message
According to the criminal complaint, concerned citizens contacted the Apex Police Department after noticing a disturbing message written on the driver side window of Swain’s car. The message, which read “HEADED TO WSH TO KILL THE PRES,” was written in white marker. The threat led authorities to pursue the matter further.
Charges and Penalties
Swain is charged with making threats against the President, a violation of Title 18, United States Code Section 871(a). If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of up to 5 years in prison.
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the official announcement regarding the arrest. The investigation is being handled by the U.S. Secret Service and the Apex Police Department, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Logan Liles serving as the prosecuting attorney.
Legal Process
It is important to note that a criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Swain is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
