An Illinois man has been indicted by a federal grand jury after prosecutors accused him of threatening witnesses connected to the investigation into the death of Mississippi teenager Nolan Wells, whose case has drawn national attention for nearly two months.
Edward James Porter of Berwyn, Illinois, was indicted on one count of transmitting a threatening communication in interstate commerce, according to federal court records. The indictment follows Porter's arrest in late July and represents the latest federal case stemming not from Wells' death itself, but from alleged threats made against people connected to the investigation.
Authorities have repeatedly said no one has been charged in connection with Wells' disappearance or death, and the investigation
into what happened to the 18-year-old remains ongoing.
If convicted, Porter faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and up to three years of supervised release.
What prosecutors say Porter did
According to court records, Porter allegedly threatened to kill a witness and the witness' family during communications around July 31.
Prosecutors allege Porter later texted the witness the family's home address and claimed he was outside the residence.
Russell Latino, an attorney representing Bart Edmiston Jr. and his father, Bart Edmiston Sr., has identified them as the recipients of the alleged threats. Edmiston Jr. was among the friends who accompanied Wells to Horn Island on July 4 and helped tow the group's disabled boat that day.
Latino has also alleged Porter threatened to kill Edmiston Sr. and his wife and said he would place the man's body in a suitcase. In a Facebook post, Latino further alleged Porter made racial remarks during the threats and claimed he was not afraid of law enforcement.
It was not immediately clear whether Porter has entered a plea or retained an attorney to comment on the indictment.
Indictment comes amid other federal threat cases
Porter is one of three people charged federally over alleged threats connected to the Wells investigation.
Federal prosecutors have previously said the defendants had no known relationship with Wells, his family or others directly involved in the case. Instead, authorities say the threats emerged as online speculation, misinformation and harassment surrounding the investigation intensified.
Joseph Alfredo Vasquez Dumarce of California was charged after prosecutors alleged he sent a threatening Facebook message to Jackson County Chancery Judge Ashlee Cole warning of a bomb.
Michelle Francine Edwards of Ohio was charged after prosecutors alleged she made dozens of threatening calls to the George County Chancery Clerk's Office and later made bomb threats involving the Jackson County Sheriff's Office. Edwards has pleaded not guilty. Her attorney, Brad Moermond, previously told USA TODAY he looks forward to contesting the charges.
Wells investigation continues
Wells disappeared during a July 4 boat trip to Horn Island off Mississippi's Gulf Coast. His body was found on July 6 after an extensive search.
Although investigators have said they do not currently suspect foul play, they have continued to describe the case as an active investigation. The official state autopsy has been completed but has not been released publicly because prosecutors have said it will be presented to a grand jury. An independent autopsy commissioned by Wells' family was unable to determine his cause or manner of death.
Wells' family, represented by civil rights attorney Ben Crump, has continued its own independent investigation while seeking additional answers about the circumstances surrounding the teenager's death. At the same time, several of Wells' friends, their relatives and others connected to the case have reported receiving threats and harassment, with some pursuing legal action against people they say spread false accusations online before investigators have reached conclusions.
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com, or on X @athompsonUSAT
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Illinois man indicted over threats in Nolan Wells case
