From FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth · Carter Freemon · · 1m 20s
Man sentenced to 17 years for mailing threats to Texas judges
A 67-year-old was convicted of sending threatening letters with white powder to federal courts across Texas while imprisoned.
In brief
A 67-year-old was convicted of sending threatening letters with white powder to federal courts across Texas while imprisoned. Threats against judges and court staff are serious federal crimes that carry lengthy prison sentences and undermine the justice system. Originally reported by FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth.
Man sentenced for judge threats
Donald Ray McCray, 67, received 210 months in federal prison for mailing threatening letters with white powder to U.S. District Judges in Fort Worth and Amarillo.
Letters sent while in prison
In March 2025, McCray mailed the threatening letters from inside a Texas state prison, targeting federal courts in two cities.
Conviction on multiple counts
A federal jury convicted McCray in April of three counts of mailing threatening communications and one count of hoax weapons of mass destruction.
Further threats after indictment
After being indicted in June 2025, McCray made additional threats against government employees and judges during a federal court hearing.
Threats undermine justice system
U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould said the threats targeted the core of the justice system and were a criminal attempt to bully and destabilize courts.
“Sending white powder and violent messages to judges and court staff is a criminal attempt to bully and destabilize the institutions that our system of justice relies on.”
Additional charges pending
McCray will be transferred back to state custody to face attempted murder charges for allegedly attacking a prison guard.
Here's the gist
Threats against judges and court staff are serious federal crimes that carry lengthy prison sentences and undermine the justice system.
