Criminal defense attorney shares independent legal perspective on threats in Nolan Wells case

GULFPORT, Miss. (WXXV) –It’s been one month since the death of Nolan Wells and questions continue to surround the high-profile investigation.

As federal authorities pursue charges against several people accused of making threats connected to the case, many in the community are still waiting for answers.

Gulfport-based Criminal Defense Attorney Sean Buckley is in no way connected to the case of Nolan Wells’ death, but he does have nearly three decades of experience handling complex federal criminal cases, and high profile federal investigations.

Attorney Buckly provided WXXV with an objective look at what kind of threats warrant legal action and why the investigation is being handled in this particular manner.

“So, law enforcement’s gonna respond usually in one of two cases. 1: when the content of the message threatens serious injury, death, things like that. And 2: when the message itself is directed at a certain type of person — such as a public servant, public official, maybe a witness in a case,” said Buckley. “So, when the threats start coming in, law enforcement is gonna wanna put a stop to it. and the way they put a stop to it is by punishment and deterrent, so that’s what we’re seeing now, I think.”

The federal charges carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. So far, three people have been charged in connection with threats tied to the case—one from California, one from Illinois, and another from Ohio. But, why did it take so long for charges to be filed over what can be described as violent threats?

“There is a lag time in tracking down these threats. Subpoenas often have to go out to service providers, platforms, phone companies, and then law enforcement has to follow up on those leads and track down the individuals,” Buckley said.

As for the case overall, there has been public concern over the length of the investigation and the limited information released so far, but Attorney Buckley says the process has followed standard procedure, and investigators have withheld details to protect the integrity of the case and avoid influencing the grand jury.

“If you look at high profile cases across the country involving deaths, what you typically see are investigations that take months and sometimes even years, and these investigations are often highly secretive because you don’t want to taint the investigation or sway it, or corrupt it in any way by releasing information too soon,” he said. “So, what I’m seeing is an investigation that is in line with standard practice for this type of case.”

WXXV is continuing to follow the case of Nolan Wells and will provide updates a new information becomes available.