19-year-old who threatened violence against Epic Games employees pleaded guilty

He now faces up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.

19-year-old Jayden Griffin of South Dakota pleaded guilty to sending death threats to employees of Epic Games, the developer of Fortnite. The charge has been brought as an “interstate communication of a threat.” Griffin faces up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both, as well as up to three years of supervised release after imprisonment.

According to court records, between October 24 and November 9, 2024, Griffin sent threatening messages to Epic Games employees in North Carolina via electronic communications. A federal grand jury returned an indictment in December 2024.

At a hearing on September 29 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of South Dakota, Griffin entered a guilty plea, although he had maintained his innocence in January 2025. The court found him competent and aware of the nature of the charges and the consequences of pleading guilty; the plea was deemed knowing and voluntary and supported by factual evidence.

Source: iXBT.games