Man accused of anti-Semitic threats against North Carolina synagogues, Wake County Sheriff's Office says

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — A man was arrested Friday after being accused of making “explicit and detailed threats” against North Carolina synagogues, the Wake County Sheriff's Office and an elected official, according to the US Department of Justice.

The USDOJ said Kevin Dunlow, 62, of Huntington Beach, California, was arrested Friday on federal charges related to sending threats and knowingly making a false bomb threat.

After his arrest in California, they said he was charged in a complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.

According to an affidavit in support of the criminal complaint, Dunlow “made numerous threats targeting multiple entities and individuals,” including:

• An elected
• Members of law enforcement
• Several synagogues located in North Carolina

He is also accused of making threats against at least one rabbi, according to Attorney General Merrick B. Garland.

Dunlow is accused of making the threats while living in California.

Around May 7, the affidavit says Dunlow made numerous anti-Semitic statements and threats of an anti-Semitic nature.

He also said he made a false bomb threat to the Wake County Sheriff's Office.

Dunlow is accused of:

• Illegally using any form of communication to send a threat to intentionally harm or kidnap another person
• Illegally and knowingly making false bomb reports

If convicted, he faces five years in prison on each count, according to the USDOJ.

“Violent and hate-fueled threats endanger the safety of individuals and entire communities,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This defendant is accused of making explicit and detailed threats. The Department of Justice will prosecute anyone who makes unlawful threats motivated by anti-Semitism or bias of any kind.

“We will not normalize violent threats in America, whether they target law enforcement, elected officials, or ordinary citizens,” said United States Attorney Michael F. Easley, Jr. “The complaint alleges that the defendant made violent threats against believers, police officers and civil servants. . These cases will always receive our greatest attention.

Dunlow appeared in court Friday and is expected to have a detention hearing at a later date, which has not yet been set.

The FBI continues to investigate this matter.