MUNCIE — A man was sentenced Wednesday to four years in prison after being found guilty of threatening to "blow up" a magistrate's home.
John J. Armstrong, 37, of Muncie, made that threat toward Delaware County Juvenile Court Magistrate Amanda Yonally after she did not rule in his favor in a case she was overseeing, according to court documents.
Armstrong pleaded guilty to a single count of intimidation on May 11.
Armstrong made the threat during an April 19 meeting with a case manager with Youth Opportunity Center in Muncie, according to a probable cause affidavit.
The affidavit alleges Armstrong told the case manager, "If that judge doesn't move my kids with my family, I will blow up her house."
The case manager told Armstrong he shouldn't make comments like that, to which he replied, "It's not like I have any C-4 or anything" and laughed, the affidavit alleges.
After Yonally was informed of the comments, she made a report in which she said Armstrong had a handgun out in plain sight during their last few Zoom meetings.
On April 26, video footage of a Zoom call between Armstrong, a Department of Child Services worker and Yonally showed him pointing a handgun out a window from his car. He later denied having one.
Armstrong was arrested April 30 and later told police during an interview that he did not threaten to blow up Yonally's house and that he did not own a gun, adding that the video of him from April 26 showed a BB gun.
-
Whitestown’s proposed water utility sale: What residents need to know
Town leaders are considering selling Whitestown’s water utility to Citizens Energy Group. It's a move town officials say could bring lower rates and more reliable service, but would shift control.
Caitlin Clark set to return for Indiana on Wednesday after missing 5 games
Caitlin Clark expects to play Wednesday when the Indiana Fever host the Golden State Valkyries after missing the past five games with a left groin injury.
Indiana author's new book explores pathological demand avoidance (PDA)
A new children's book written by an author and neurologist from Indiana explores the love and connection between a mother and her son while navigating emotional challenges.
Trees, tutors and road work: Indy's $27 million quality of life investment
Councilors approved the $27 million spring fiscal neighborhood funding package during Monday night's meeting. More than half of it is allocated for the Department of Public Works.
