Jones County was in the national news last week following the arrest of a Milledgeville college student who, in his apparent attempt to get back at a voter he felt was confrontational, committed several federal offenses.
Nicholas Wimbish, 25, was arrested Nov. 4. According to a press release by the United States Attorney General’s Middle District of Georgia Office, Wimbish is charged with mailing a bomb threat, conveying false information about a bomb threat, mailing a threatening letter and making false statements to the FBI.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 25 years in federal prison.
Wimbish is one of four interns from Georgia College and State University who volunteered in Jones County’s May primary election as well as November’s presidential election.
The students were taking a course in Election Administration and upon completion will earn an Election Administration Certificate.
In a May interview, Jones County Election Superintendent Marion Hatton said the students were really helpful because they were already familiar with the election code and election laws. By assisting with the elections, they were able to earn the required 120 intern hours they needed for the course.
Last week’s criminal complaint against Wimbish said the verbal altercation with the voter took place Oct. 16, which was the second day of Early Voting for the Nov. 5 election in Jones County. The following day, he reportedly mailed a letter to the Jones County Elections Office addressed to the election superintendent.
The letter was typed and worded to make it sound like it came from a voter targeting Wimbish for his behavior. The text rambled but included threats of beating down the young men and rage raping the ladies.
The letter ended with a handwritten threat of a “boom toy in an early voting place.”
After receiving the letter, Hatton contacted the Jones County Sheriff’s Office.
The FBI and the Secretary of State’s Office were also contacted.
Hatton said officers from the JCSO were at the elections office within minutes.
The FBI responded quickly and took over the investigation of the matter.
The press release indicated that the FBI Atlanta Field Office was investigating the case.
Wimbish had his first appearance in federal court Nov. 5 and was released on bond under the conditions of being banned from Georgia and no contact with victims.
Hatton said she could not say enough about the help from the JCSO and the assistance of the Secretary of State’s Office.
“Deputies were here and at every precinct. They really made us, and the poll workers, feel protected and safe,” she said.
