Kyle Ryan Cook, age 36, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was sentenced on Apr. 6 to two years in federal prison after pleading guilty to one count of interstate communications with a threat to injure.
The case highlights the seriousness with which authorities treat threats made over electronic communications and the consequences that can follow. Cook’s sentencing follows evidence presented at prior court hearings showing that between May and June 2025, he repeatedly threatened to kill a victim who was not in Iowa using Facebook Messenger. The threats were described as graphic and specific.
During his arrest and transportation to a court hearing related to this case, Cook told federal agents he intended to kill the victim and “put her six feet in the ground.” Court records show that Cook has 21 adult convictions, including violent offenses such as battery, disorderly conduct, domestic abuse, and assault causing bodily injury.
United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams handed down the sentence in Cedar Rapids. In addition to serving 24 months’ imprisonment, Cook will also be required to complete a three-year term of supervised release following his prison term. There is no parole available in the federal system.
Cook is currently being held by the United States Marshal’s Service until he can be transported to a federal prison.
