Federal authorities have arrested a California man accused of sending violent death threats connected to the ongoing Nolan Wells case. Investigators allege the messages targeted a Mississippi judge whose family has faced intense public scrutiny since the teenager’s death.
The arrest marked a significant development in the fallout surrounding the investigation. Authorities also said the case remains active as multiple agencies continue their work.
A California man was federally charged over alleged death threats connected to the Nolan Wells case
According to TMZ, federal prosecutors charged 27-year-old Joseph Alfredo Vasquez Dumarce with interstate transmission of a threatening communication.
The charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, along with possible fines and supervised release.
Investigators alleged Dumarce used the social media account “yaeyae962” to send threatening Facebook messages to Jackson County Chancery Judge Ashlee Cole after Nolan Wells’ death.
According to court documents cited by The Sun Herald, one message allegedly warned, “There will be a package coming to your guys office in the next few days.”
The message continued, “Blood. So much blood everywhere. Hard to clean. Especially from a boat. But yours will be quick I promise.”
It ended with another alleged threat.
“I got all you info. Not even the FBI can stop this. Once that package is opened, the timer will start. And then you have maybe 10 seconds or less to ask God for forgiveness.”
Investigators also alleged that other messages threatened to strangle Judge Cole’s sons and included photographs of her children.
Federal agents reportedly identified Dumarce by tracing IP addresses, email accounts, phone numbers, birth records, and addresses connected to the social media profile.
Judge Cole’s stepson, Warren Hudson, was among the friends who traveled with Nolan Wells to Horn Island before the 18-year-old disappeared. The group later returned without him but had his cellphone. A National Park Service ranger found Wells’ body two days later.
Hudson has repeatedly denied any involvement in his friend’s death.
Authorities also said Dumarce is one of several people accused of threatening Judge Cole and her family. According to the report, Dr. Benjamin Hudson said the family has received thousands of threats since Wells disappeared.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department continues leading the Nolan Wells investigation with assistance from state and federal agencies.
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