Memphis Man Pled Guilty to Calling in Bomb Threat and for Being a Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Sentenced to 7 Years

From the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Tennessee:

Memphis, TN – Christopher Cobb, 33, has been sentenced to 84 months in federal prison for 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 became 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.

On June 9, 2022, United States District Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Cobb to 84 months in federal prison to be followed by three years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

“The safety of our citizens and communities is a top priority for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and threats against government facilities and employees must be taken seriously,” said HSI Nashville Special Agent in Charge Jerry C. Templet Jr. “The investigative efforts of our special agents, working with their law enforcement partners, is reflected in the sentencing of this previously convicted felon.”

“This sentence reflects the severity of Mr. Cobb’s actions and should stand as a warning to anyone who threatens any SSA official who is simply carrying out their duties. This behavior will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General for the Social Security Administration. “I thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for prosecuting this case.”

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 prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.