COLUMBUS, Ohio — A New Albany man admitted in federal court Tuesday to sending dozens of threatening messages to public officials across multiple states, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Ronald Lidderdale, 40, pleaded guilty to 31 federal counts, including mailing threatening communications, transmitting threats in interstate commerce, conveying false information and hoaxes, and cyberstalking. Prosecutors say Lidderdale sent 92 threatening communications between July 2024 and May 2025.
According to court documents, the threats targeted more than 30 officials, including Ohio’s governor, attorney general, secretary of state, members of the Ohio Supreme Court, state legislators, a gubernatorial candidate, and several members of the U.S. Congress.
Investigators say Lidderdale mailed letters to offices and private residences, including some addressed to spouses. Many envelopes contained a white powder that he claimed was poison. Nearly 50 of the letters included the substance, which he sometimes described as ricin. One letter included a 9mm round etched with the Ohio attorney general’s name.
Prosecutors say Lidderdale also used an encrypted email service based overseas to send anonymous electronic threats. The messages included statements about killing officials by shooting or poisoning them.
A forensic review of Lidderdale’s devices showed he used an AI chatbot to discuss the threats he had sent and to ask about potential criminal penalties and federal prison conditions, according to court filings.
Lidderdale was arrested in May 2025. During the investigation, authorities seized two 9mm pistols, ammunition, a lock‑picking kit, and tactical gear from his home.
Mailing threatening communications carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison per count. The remaining charges carry penalties of up to five years each. A sentencing date has not yet been set.