The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Daniel L. Board Jr. of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives—Baltimore Field Division; and Chief Matthew R. Verderosa of the U.S. Capitol Police.
According to his plea agreement, from January 28 through March 24, 2016, Litten wrote and mailed at least nine cards and letters to the President of the United States and members of the United States Congress threatening harm to them and/or their family members. Fingerprint analysis of several of the cards identified latent fingerprints belonging to Litten.
In connection with the investigation into the identity of the sender of the threatening communications, a search warrant was executed at Litten's home. Law enforcement seized envelopes and unsent greeting cards addressed to members of Congress and signed by Litten, computer printouts of addresses for elected officials, and reminders to write letters to elected officials. In addition, law enforcement seized: .22 caliber, .38 caliber, and .380 caliber pistols; a 12-gauge shotgun; a .410 bore shotgun; a .38 caliber blank firing revolver; 300 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition; 24 rounds of .380 caliber ammunition; four rounds of .410 caliber shotgun ammunition; and one 12-gauge shotgun shell.
As a result of a previous felony conviction, Litten was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the ATF and U.S. Capitol Police for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer R. Sykes and Thomas P. Windom, who prosecuted the case.