Christopher Cobb, 33, pled guilty to communicating a threat against a federal agency and being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to a press release by the Western District of Tennessee U.S. Attorney’s Office. Joseph C. Murphy Jr., United States Attorney, announced the guilty plea this week.
According to information presented in court cited by the press release, on the afternoon of April 22th, 2021, Cobb called the United States Social Security Administration (SSA) office in Memphis to inquire about the status of his claim. Cobb became irate when the official informed him that his claim had been denied and he would need to file an appeal. The call was terminated by the SSA when Cobb became irate and began using profanity. Several minutes later, Cobb called back and threatened to “blow up” the social security building the next day.
A search of the defendant’s home revealed a M-1 rifle and ammunition, according to the press release. After being advised of and waiving his Miranda rights, Cobb admitted to making the threat and also possessing the M-1 rifle and ammunition.
Cobb was previously convicted for aggravated assault, convicted felon in possession of a firearm, failure to appear in a felony case and robbery, the press release notes. As a result of his prior felony convictions, Cobb is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition.
Sentencing is set for June 9th before United States District Judge Thomas L. Parker, where Cobb faces up to 10 years in federal prison. There is no parole in the federal system, the press release notes.
“The safety of our citizens and communities is a top priority of HSI and threats against government facilities must be taken seriously,” HSI Nashville Special Agent in Charge Jerry C. Templet, Jr. said in a statement. “The investigative efforts of our agents in this case, working with their law enforcement partners, resulted in a guilty plea by this convicted felon and seizure of his illegally possessed firearms and ammunition.”
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network.
Photo “Social Security Office” by LEONARDO DASILVA. CC BY 3.0.
