TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — A former Indiana State University student was federally indicted on extortion and threats against university officials.
Nicholas Wheeler, 27, was charged with four counts of transmitting extortionate threats via interstate commerce and three counts of transmitting threats via interstate commerce.
Court documents show that on May 16 and 17 of 2024, Wheeler made threats over X, formerly known as Twitter, against Indiana State University, university professors and two of his former attorneys.
Wheeler allegedly threatened that if they didn't give him $500,000 or investigate his claim that he was the victim of a crime, he was going to kill or injure them.
Documents say some of Wheeler’s messages included threats such as, “I’m coming to take your souls… closed casket funerals,” and “empty your bank accounts, I’m coming for blood Indiana State University.” He also made posts saying he owned a loaded machine gun and body armor.
Officials said Wheeler attended Indiana State University from August 2018 through August 2023. He was living in California when he sent the threats.
The FBI is investigating this case. Wheeler could face up to 20 years in federal prison if he is convicted.
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