Angry Tampa dentist pleads guilty to threatening public figures, others

TAMPA, Fla. — A Florida dentist has pleaded guilty to sending over 100 threats to multiple victims, including an election official, across a five-year span.

According to court documents, Richard Glenn Kantwill, 61, of Tampa, targeted more than 40 individuals between September 2019 and February 2024. Using Facebook, Instagram, email, and text messages, Kantwill reportedly sent threats to public figures based on their political commentary.

These included an email to an author, a text message to a religious figure, and an Instagram message to a television personality. More recently, Kantwill sent a Facebook threat to an election official in another state on February 9, 2024. His actions were part of a campaign that spanned several years and intimidated individuals nationwide.

“With this plea, the Justice Department is ensuring that Richard Kantwill faces accountability for targeting an election official and other public figures with over 100 heinous threats,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland.

“Today’s action is yet another warning: the Justice Department will not stand for threats of violence that endanger people’s safety and endanger our democracy.”

The case was prosecuted under the DOJ’s Election Threats Task Force, established in 2021 to address threats against election workers.

Dr Kantwill pleaded guilty to four counts of interstate transmission of a threat, each carrying a maximum penalty of five years in prison. His sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date, with the court considering federal sentencing guidelines and statutory factors.

The FBI investigated the case, with Trial Attorney Aaron L. Jennen of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Abigail K. King of the Middle District of Florida leading the prosecution.

The Election Threats Task Force, created by the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, remains focused on addressing threats of violence against election workers. The task force collaborates with state and local law enforcement, FBI field offices, and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices nationwide to investigate and prosecute such cases.

The public is encouraged to report threats against election workers to their local FBI office or through the FBI’s online complaint portal. Immediate threats should be reported to 911 or local law enforcement.