KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with allegedly threatening a judge.
Michael A. Deblois, 42, Independence, Missouri, faces two felony charges for leaving threatening messages at the office of a 16th Circuit judge, according to Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker. He now faces Tampering With a Judicial Officer and Harassment Motivated By Discrimination To Frighten Or Disturb Another Person. This means he now faces two Class D felonies punishable by up to 7 years in prison, according to baker.
According to court records, on Monday, the office of 16th Circuit Judge received multiple voicemails from the Deblois with hateful, angry threatening and harassing messages.
When office employees reached out to him, he used profanity and racial slurs. Jackson County Sheriff's deputies and a detective investigated the calls. Deputies took Deblois into custody Tuesday, according to Baker. He made a first court appearance Wednesday
"No member of the public should be allowed to threaten a public official in the course of doing their duties," Baker said in a statement from her office. "But today most public officials experience threats to their safety, simply for doing a job for the public. While this type of anger is not a new phenomenon in our culture, it cannot be tolerated. This hate-filled speech is not protected speech. It is a crime. It will not be tolerated when it is directed at a judge and the judge's staff who assist in this necessary work."