Man charged with threatening former Duke University colleagues receives bond

A Durham man was charged with making threats toward Duke University employees and property.

2026-04-20

Nathaniel Jerrell was charged with communicating a threat of mass violence on an educational property, a felony. He made a first court appearance on Monday and received a $5,000 bond.

A warrant describing Jerrell's actions said he did "threaten to commit an act of mass violence on educational property by threatening former co-workers and workplace with assignation, bringing a gun or planting a bomb in numerous online posts," according to the document.

He was charged in November 2025 and Jerrell was taken into custody over the weekend. 

Jerrell worked for Duke Health from April 2022 through August 2025, most recently as an appointment coordinator for the system. According to court records, he was no longer an employee at the time the threats were made.

Duke Health said they are cooperating with law enforcement. They issued a statement on the matter.

“The safety and well-being of our patients, team members, and visitors is our top priority. We take any threats involving our people and facilities extremely seriously."

His next court date is scheduled for May 7.