Former Philadelphia Police Officer Sentenced to 24 Months for Sending Hundreds of Threatening Text Messages

PHILADELPHIA – U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain announced that Bryan McGraw, 49, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 24 months’ imprisonment for sending hundreds of harassing text messages over a four-year period.

McGraw, a former member of the Philadelphia Police Department, sent more than 500 harassing text messages to the victim from February 2014 through March 20, 2018.  During the four-year time period, the victim was dating a woman that McGraw had been romantically involved with in the past.  The anonymous harassing messages included some that were threatening to the victim and to the victim’s minor daughter.  McGraw pleaded guilty on May 9, 2018.

“This multi-year campaign of harassment affected innocent victims, including a minor child,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “McGraw’s words and actions show a complete lack of respect for the law he once swore to uphold and a lack of concern about the safety of the victims he terrorized.  This Office will continue to investigate and prosecute those who weaponize electronic forms of communication to further an illegal purpose.”

“As law enforcement officers we are sworn to protect those we serve,” said Michael T. Harpster, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Philadelphia Division.  “Officer McGraw did more than fail to live up that commitment.  He repeatedly threatened the victim in this case.   Today’s sentencing affirms the FBI’s commitment to rooting out corruption at all levels of public service, especially law enforcement.”

In addition to the 24-month prison term, Chief Judge Juan Sánchez ordered McGraw to serve one year of supervised release upon release from prison and to pay a fine of $1,200 and a special assessment of $100.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Albert S. Glenn.