A 72-year-old Jeannette, Pennsylvania, man pleaded guilty in federal court to threatening to murder federal law enforcement officers across three separate agencies, according to an announcement from United States Attorney Troy Rivetti.
Dale Ankney entered guilty pleas before U.S. District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand to three counts of retaliating against federal law enforcement officers by threat.
Court records show the charges stemmed from a review of Ankney’s public social media posts, where he repeatedly advocated violence against personnel with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
The online posts prompted an in-person visit on June 17, 2026, when an FBI special agent and two FBI task force officers went to Ankney’s home to interview him. Investigators showed their official credentials, identified themselves as FBI personnel, and explained they were there to question him about his statements online.
According to prosecutors, Ankney grew agitated during the encounter and ordered the investigators off his property. As the agents walked back to their vehicle, Ankney told them, “I will cap your ass.”
The FBI returned to the residence the following day to arrest Ankney on a federal criminal complaint. After being taken into custody, Ankney waived his rights and admitted to investigators that by using the word “cap,” he meant he intended to shoot them.
While serving a federal search warrant at the home during the arrest, federal agents recovered 21 firearms, two silencers, firearm magazines, and boxes of ammunition.
The investigation was handled jointly by the FBI and the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting the case.
Judge Wiegand set Ankney’s sentencing date for Jan. 7, 2027. Under federal law, each count carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. His ultimate sentence will depend on federal guidelines taking into account the severity of the charges and any prior criminal record.
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