Memphis, TN- Christopher Cobb, 33, pled guilty to communicating a threat against a federal agency and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Joseph C. Murphy Jr., United States Attorney, announced the guilty plea today.
According to information presented in court, on the afternoon of April 22, 2021, Christopher Cobb called the United States Social Security Administration (“SSA”) office in Memphis, Tennessee to inquire about the status of his claim. Cobb became irate when the official informed him that his claim had been denied and he would need to file an appeal. The call was terminated by the SSA when Cobb began irate and began using profanity. Several minutes later, Cobb called back and threatened to “blow up” the social security building the next day.
A search of the defendant’s home revealed a M-1 rifle and ammunition. After being advised of and waiving his Miranda rights, Cobb admitted to making the threat and to also possessing the M-1 rifle and ammunition.
Cobb was previously convicted for aggravated assault, convicted felon in possession of a firearm, failure to appear in a felony case and robbery. As a result of his prior felony convictions, Cobb is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition.
On March 2, 2022, Cobb pled guilty to communicating a threat and to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Sentencing is set for June 9, 2022, before United States District Judge Thomas L. Parker where he faces up to ten years in federal prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
“The safety of our citizens and communities is a top priority of HSI and threats against government facilities must be taken seriously,” said HSI Nashville Special Agent in Charge Jerry C. Templet, Jr. “The investigative efforts of our agents in this case, working with their law enforcement partners, resulted in a guilty plea by this convicted felon and seizure of his illegally possessed firearms and ammunition.”
This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General and Homeland Security Investigations.
Assistant United States Attorneys Greg Wagner and Steven Hall are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
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