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.
-
Tyrese Haliburton scolds father for postgame fracas after Pacers eliminate Bucks
Haliburton says he had a talk with his dad and doesn't agree with what happened. He adds, “I don't think my pops was in the right at all.”
Indiana Fever to kick off preseason with ‘pack the plaza’ diaper donation drive
The Indiana Fever are excited to tip off their preseason this Saturday, but before the game begins, fans are invited to help local families in need through a special diaper and wipes donation drive.
State funded oxygen therapy program for veterans ends April 30
A state program meant to help struggling Indiana veterans will end on April 30, WRTV Investigates has learned.
Hoosiers share potential impact of cutting crisis lines, LGBTQ youth services
A leaked budget draft reportedly revealed plans to get rid of the lifeline’s LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services. The program is funded through the USDHHS and could be on the chopping block in October.
