A Bartlesville man pleaded guilty Wednesday for cyberstalking and making multiple threatening statements against U.S. Representative Kevin Hern and his family.
Keith Charles Eisenberger, 39, pleaded guilty to cyberstalking, threatening to kidnap and assault a member of Congress and threatening to kidnap and assault the spouse of a member of Congress.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will not tolerate online threats of violence meant to intimidate elected officials or members of our community. Keith Eisenberger now understands there are legal repercussions to committing these criminal acts,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Eisenberger admitted that between Nov. 27, 2018, and May 11, 2022, he threatened and harassed Representative Hern via electronic communication in an effort to cause emotional distress to Hern and his immediate family. He further admitted that during the same timeframe, he threatened to assault and kidnap Hern with the intent to interfere with the congressman’s official duties and to retaliate against him. Finally, he admitted that on May 11, 2022, he threatened to kidnap and assault the congressman’s wife.
In January 2019, Eisenberger appeared in the Washington, DC offices, yelling and demanding to see Hern. He later told U.S. Capitol Police special agents that he was angry with Hern because he believed the congressman had been appointed to the seat without Eisenberger being considered for it. He then stated that he had flown to Washington, DC on a one-way ticket and would not be returning until Hern resigned.
The FBI conducted the investigation on Eisenberger. FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge, Edward J. Gray said everyone has the right to express their opinions under the First Amendment, but that Eisenberger crossed the line.
“While the First Amendment gives us the right to express our own opinions, it does not protect those who cross the line of making violent criminal threats,” said Gray. “The FBI will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to ensure elected officials can perform the duties of their office safely.”