Whitley County Man Sentenced for Threatening a Federal Law Enforcement Agent

LONDON, Ky. - A Woodbine, Ky., man, William H. Nantz, 66, was sentenced to 63 months in prison on Friday, by U.S. District Judge Robert Wier, for retaliation against a witness. This is his second conviction involving threats to a federal law enforcement agent.

On March 21, 2019, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Daniel Nantz with methamphetamine trafficking. Then, on July 24, 2019, a superseding indictment added charges against Daniel Nantz, including murder with the intent to obstruct justice related to his drug trafficking. William Nantz is the father of Daniel Nantz.

Thereafter, on October 2, 2021, William Nantz made a threat against the lead case agent investigating his son's murder case, to one of the agent's neighbors. Ultimately, the elder Nantz pled guilty to retaliation against a witness for this initial threat; and as part of his sentencing on that initial charge, the agent submitted a victim impact statement, describing the impact the threat had on he and his family. On October 11, 2022, the elder Nantz was sentenced to 70 months in prison. The day after his sentence was imposed on that initial charge, October 12, 2022, Nantz again threatened the agent, during a recorded video jail call. This time he threatened to sexually assault and murder the agent. In the recorded call, the elder Nantz referenced his agitation with the content of the victim impact statement. And, in conversations that followed the call Nantz reinforced his threats, referencing his desire to "take care of" the agent upon his release from prison. Nantz eventually pled guilty to this second threat as well.

Nantz's 63 months sentence for this second threat will run consecutively with his previous sentence of 70 months for the first threat. Under federal law, Nantz must serve 85 percent of his prison sentences. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years.

"The brazen disregard for the victims and the law in this case is nothing short of appalling," said Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. "Just a day after receiving an initial federal prison sentence, the defendant issued more threats. This case reminds us of the dangers and sacrifices law enforcement personnel face, on a daily basis, while protecting and serving our communities. Fortunately, it now also serves as a warning to those who issue such threats: you face significant prison sentences for your conduct."

"This case highlights the dangers our public officials face every day," stated ATF Special Agent in Charge Shawn Morrow of the Louisville Division. "Law enforcement, and our judicial system, must never waiver even when threatened with violence or facing danger. The ATF London office and the entire investigative team should be commended for their work seeking justice for Ms. Johnson, and for not being deterred by William Nantz's persistent threats. We're thankful for our investigative partners and for the United States Attorney's Office for ensuring William Nantz was held accountable."

United States Attorney Shier and ATF SAC Morrow, jointly announced the sentencing.

The investigation was conducted by the ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Parman is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.

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