Suburban Chicago Man Charged with Mailing Threatening Letters to Federal Judges

The 65-year-old Libertyville resident allegedly sent letters to judges in Texas and Florida.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 1:49pm

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A 65-year-old man from Libertyville, Illinois has been charged with two counts of mailing threatening communications to federal judges in Texas and Florida. Prosecutors say James Lebuhn sent the letters in March 2025 with the intent to make true threats and with reckless disregard for the risk that others would view them as threats. Each charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.

Why it matters

Threats against federal judges are taken extremely seriously, as they are intended to intimidate and instill fear in public servants who play a critical role in the justice system. This case highlights the Department of Justice's commitment to holding accountable anyone who seeks to interfere with the judicial process.

The details

According to prosecutors, Lebuhn mailed letters in March 2025 to U.S. District Court judges in Amarillo, Texas, and Fort Pierce, Florida. The contents of the alleged threatening letters remain unclear. Lebuhn is charged with two counts of mailing a threatening communication, each of which carries a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison.

  • Lebuhn allegedly mailed the threatening letters in March 2025.
  • Lebuhn is due in court for arraignment on March 26, 2026.

The players

James Lebuhn

A 65-year-old man from Libertyville, Illinois who is charged with two counts of mailing threatening communications to federal judges.

Andrew Boutros

U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, who stated that the Chicago U.S. Attorney's Office is committed to holding accountable anyone who seeks to intimidate and instill fear in members of the federal government, including federal judges.

Ryan Raybould

U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, who stated that in today's times of increasing threats of violence, these criminal charges should serve as a warning to others contemplating such behavior.

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What they’re saying

“The Chicago U.S. Attorney's Office is committed to holding accountable anyone who seeks to intimidate and instill fear in members of the federal government, including the esteemed public servants on the bench.”

— Andrew Boutros, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois

“In today's times of increasing threats of violence, these criminal charges should serve as a warning to others contemplating such behavior.”

— Ryan Raybould, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas

What’s next

Lebuhn is due in court for arraignment on March 26, 2026.

The takeaway

This case highlights the Department of Justice's commitment to protecting federal judges and the judicial process from threats and intimidation, which are taken extremely seriously as they can undermine the integrity of the justice system.