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Arkansas man pleads guilty to threatening to kill Obama

By Terry Frieden, CNN Justice Producer
Paul Schlesselman of West Helena, Arkansas, pleaded guilty to plotting to kill several African-Americans in 2008.
Paul Schlesselman of West Helena, Arkansas, pleaded guilty to plotting to kill several African-Americans in 2008.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • Paul Schlesselman faces 10 years in prison in plea deal with Tennessee federal prosecutors
  • Schlesselman threatened to kill then-Sen. Obama on October 23, 2008, officials say
  • He also planned to kill dozens, focusing on African-Americans, Justice Department says
RELATED TOPICS
  • Barack Obama
  • Arkansas

Washington (CNN) -- An Arkansas man has pleaded guilty to plotting to kill several African-Americans in 2008, including then-presidential candidate Barack Obama, the Justice Department announced Thursday.

Paul Schlesselman of West Helena, Arkansas, faces 10 years in prison under a plea agreement reached with federal prosecutors in Tennessee.

Federal officials in Washington said Schlesselman threatened to kill then-Sen. Obama on October 23, 2008, shortly before the presidential election.

He also planned to "murder dozens of people with a focus on murdering African-Americans" the Justice Department said.

"Despite great civil rights progress, hate-fueled violence remains all too common in our country, as illustrated by this unthinkable conspiracy," said Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Thomas Perez in a statement issued by his Justice Department office.