The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A Wisconsin man who was already in custody was accused of threatening to kill a judge while being held at a county jail, according to authorities.
Police said the 68-year-old was being held at the Racine County Jail for allegedly failing to update his sex offender registration when the incident occurred on March 25. According to a criminal complaint, the man became upset after a correctional officer told him he could not receive printed copies of court cases and legal materials he had requested.
The complaint stated that the man told the officer he was having an “indifference” with the judge assigned to his case because she had ordered him to remain in custody while awaiting trial. Authorities said his comments quickly escalated, and he allegedly became increasingly agitated during the interaction.
According to investigators, the man made multiple threatening statements toward the judge, including suggesting he had “nothing to lose” and referencing committing a homicide. Prosecutors said he also allegedly claimed that when he appeared in court, people would be “picking up a body” from the courtroom. The statements were reportedly captured on the correctional officer’s body-worn camera and later reviewed by investigators.
Court records indicated the man had prior convictions for first-degree sexual assault in two separate cases dating back to 1980. He had reportedly spent much of the past several decades in custody.
Authorities said the man has now been charged with making a threat to cause bodily harm to an individual involved in the court system. He remained in custody following the incident as the case moved forward. Officials did not indicate whether any additional security measures would be taken ahead of his upcoming court appearance.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.