18 U.S.C. § 876 – Mailing Threatening Communications
This statute criminalizes the use of the U.S. mail to deliver ransom demands, threats of violence, or extortionate threats.
Section 876 focuses specifically on threatening communications sent through the Postal Service. The offense is complete upon mailing or causing delivery of the communication—no response, payment, or follow-through is required.
Covered conduct.
The statute is divided by the type of threat and whether extortion or ransom is involved:
- Ransom demands. Mailing a demand or request for ransom or reward for the release of a kidnapped person
- Extortion threats to persons. Mailing a threat to kidnap or physically injure another person with intent to extort money or something of value
- Non-extortion threats to persons. Mailing a threat to kidnap or injure another person without an extortion demand
- Extortion threats to property or reputation. Mailing threats to damage property, harm reputation, accuse someone of a crime, or defame a deceased person in order to extort value
Protected officials trigger higher exposure.
If the threatening communication is addressed to a:
- United States judge
- Federal law enforcement officer
- Federal officer or employee covered by § 1114
the maximum penalties increase significantly.
Penalties.
- Up to 20 years for ransom demands or extortionate threats to kidnap or injure
- Up to 5 years for non-extortion threats to kidnap or injure
- Up to 2 years for extortionate threats to property, reputation, or accusations of crime
- Up to 10 years when the target is a protected federal official
The statute applies whether or not the sender identifies themselves.
If you are under investigation or facing charges involving mailed threats or extortion allegations, call (314) 900-HELP or contact our federal criminal defense attorneys to discuss your situation.
