A Florida dentist, Richard Kantwill, has been sentenced to two years in prison after sending over 100 threatening, racist, and derogatory messages to more than 40 people, primarily due to his political disagreements.
Kantwill, 61, from Tampa, pleaded guilty in November 2024 to four counts of interstate transmission of a threat, and his sentence also includes credit for the nine months he had already served. His threats were described as containing “obscene and derogatory references regarding race, religious affiliation, gender, and sexual orientation.”
Federal prosecutors from the U.S. Middle District of Florida highlighted the severity of Kantwill’s actions, pointing out that his repeated threats involved violence, including threats of murder and rape, against public figures with whom he disagreed. This behavior, according to the prosecution, showed a lack of self-control and respect for the law. They argued that Kantwill’s actions warranted a guideline sentence of 33 months.
Kantwill’s attorneys, however, pleaded for leniency, claiming that he was “extremely remorseful” and that his actions were the result of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) he developed after serving as a medic during the Gulf War. His attorneys claimed that his PTSD led to heavy drinking and marijuana use, contributing to his erratic behavior.
The U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida had previously detailed some of Kantwill’s messages in a memorandum but redacted the names of his victims. The FBI investigation began in 2019 when it received a complaint from one of Kantwill’s victims.
Despite being warned by the FBI that his messages were being interpreted as threats, Kantwill continued his behavior for another 10 months, targeting over 40 individuals through social media and email.
The messages included violent threats, with some targeting politicians, journalists, and religious figures. In one instance, Kantwill allegedly told a victim, a reverend, “torture first, then death,” before stating, “we are going to kill you.”
Another threatening message aimed at a victim during the George Floyd protests was filled with racial slurs and violent language, including: “Cannot wait to shoot your ghetto a— in the street… you will die like every other n—– piece of s—.” He also boasted about his collection of firearms, saying he would “NEVER surrender.”
Further investigations revealed Kantwill had 15 self-reported firearms and had even discussed illegal weapons on social media. In one instance, he claimed to “love creating widows and orphans,” referencing the violence he had witnessed during his military service.
The FBI attempted to interview Kantwill again in 2021, but he refused, instead sending a text message afterward to the FBI agents, which included a middle finger emoji and explicit language directed at the government.
Court records also show that Kantwill had previously faced disciplinary actions, including a reprimand for practicing dentistry while under the influence of alcohol. He had been ordered to stop practicing due to his alcohol addiction but continued working as a dentist after relapsing. He had also tested positive for marijuana during pretrial services screenings.
Kantwill’s actions have sparked significant public attention, drawing concern about the rise in violent and politically motivated threats. His sentence serves as a reminder of the consequences of making threats online and how the law addresses such behavior.
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