Anamosa inmate accused of threatening federal judge

An Anamosa State Penitentiary inmate is accused of threatening to kill a federal judge.

According to a news release from the U.S. Department of Justice, 31-year-old Matthew J. Howard was charged by a federal grand jury last week with threats against a federal judge and mailing a threatening communication.

Authorities said that on Nov. 30, 2017, while incarcerated at Anamosa State Penitentiary, Howard wrote and mailed a letter threatening to kill U.S. District Court Judge Linda Reade.

The Northern District of Iowa U.S. Attorney's Office has recused itself from the case and it will be prosecuted by the Southern District of Iowa U.S. Attorney's Office.

Howard is serving a sentence for second-degree robbery, according to the Iowa Department of Corrections.

If convicted of the federal charges, Howard could face up to 10 years for each offense.

l Comments: (319) 398-8238; lee.hermiston@thegazette.com