Former Neo-Nazi Leader Pleads Guilty In 'Swatting' Scheme

ALEXANDRIA, VA — A former leader of a Neo-Nazi group pleaded guilty Tuesday in Alexandria federal court in a "swatting" call scheme.

According to prosecutors, John Cameron Denton, 26, who previously led the Atomwaffen Division in Texas, was involved in swatting events targeting journalists, Old Dominion University and Alexandria's Alfred Street Baptist Church. Swatting is defined as a harassment tactic used to trick 911 dispatchers into sending police and emergency services to an unknowing third party's address.

"Sending law enforcement and emergency responders rushing to an individual’s home, business, or place of worship, in an effort to target individuals because of their race or religious affiliation or simply to create chaos shows both criminal behavior and a complete disregard for public safety," said G. Zachary Terwilliger, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. "This office is committed to locating and investigating individuals responsible for such threats, and when appropriate, will seek federal charges."

Prosecutors allege Denton and co-conspirators worked together on "swatting" calls targeting a former Cabinet official living in Northern Virginia on Jan. 27, 2019; Old Dominion University on Nov. 29 and Dec. 4, 2018; and Alfred Street Baptist Church on Nov. 3, 2018.

In the call regarding the largely African-American Alfred Street Baptist Church, a caller claimed to have placed pipe bombs in the church, mentioned a shooting, and said he would kill everyone at the church. The church had been holding a service, leading Alexandria Police to clear the building and conduct a search. The subsequent investigation determined the call was a false bomb threat.

Outside of Virginia, prosecutors say Denton targeted the New York City office of ProPublica, a non-profit newsroom that produces investigative journalism; and an investigative journalist that produced materials for ProPublica. Denton allegedly chose the two targets because he was furious with ProPublica and the investigative journalist for publishing his true identity and discussing his role in Atomwaffen Division.

During the investigation, Denton unknowingly met with an undercover cop and discussed his role in the swatting scheme. Denton stated that he used a voice changer when he made swatting calls, and admitted that he swatted the offices of ProPublica and the investigative journalist. He mentioned that being raided for the swatting scheme would be viewed as a top tier crime and that his arrest could benefit his Neo-Nazi group.

Denton pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States, interstate threats to injure and faces up to five years in prison. He will be sentenced on Nov. 17.

Federal authorities also charged John William Kirby Kelley, a former college student, in the scheme earlier this year.