A Dallas man is reported to have sent “threatening communications” to multiple people. He faces up to five years in prison per count, according to federal officals.

DALLAS, Texas — A Dallas man has been sentenced to up to 30 years in prison after he terrorized multiple people via electronic transmissions in June of 2023.

United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced the conviction of 56-year-old Phillip Daniel Peterson on six counts of transmitting threatening communications in interstate commerce. Peterson now faces a possibility of up to five years in federal prison for each of the six counts.



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“Today’s guilty verdict affirms that violent threats carry real consequences,” Raybould said in a Department of Justice (DOJ) press release. 

“Cyber‑based threats are real threats, and those who misuse online communications to sow fear should expect meaningful federal consequences.”

FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock added in the release that the verdict makes clear how serious an offense violent online threats can be.

“The FBI remains committed to protecting our communities and ensuring that individuals who exploit digital platforms to intimidate, coerce, or instill fear are held accountable.” Special Agent Rothrock said.

According to evidence presented at trial, the DOJ says Peterson sent a series of threatening emails on June 23, 2023, directing violent language toward multiple victims. The six threats were transmitted across state lines, which made it a federal offense. In the threats, Peterson is reported to have made physical threats involving people who were addressed only by their initials while also calling them obscene and offensive names.

“M.M., I am going to **** you up.”“I am going to put your ******* head on a stick.”“I am going to *** **** you M.M. you ******* ****”“M.M. I am going to **** you in the *** you stupid ****.”“I am going to **** both J.H. and D.W. in the ***.”“You stupid ******* better know I know where you live.”

Peterson’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for Jan. 11, 2027, before U.S. District Judge David C. Godbey, authorities say.

The FBI’s Dallas office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ted Hocter and Caroline Poore from the National Security Division prosecuted the case, according to the DOJ.