A Missouri man was sentenced to 11 years in prison after being found guilty of leaving a series of racist and threatening voicemails for a Jackson County judge. Michael Deblois, 44, was convicted in July of tampering with a judicial officer and harassment motivated by discrimination. His menacing calls targeted Judge Kenneth R. Garrett III, using racial slurs and threats, which Deblois claimed stemmed from grievances related to a housing dispute and perceived “reverse discrimination.”
The disturbing calls, made between March 25 and 26, included over a dozen profanity-laced messages in which Deblois demanded a hearing to address what he called government corruption. In one message, Deblois used a racial slur and threatened to retaliate with an “eye for an eye.” Despite the aggressive nature of the threats, Deblois did not attempt to conceal his identity, leaving his full name and phone number in the voicemails. Judge Garrett, fearing for his safety and that of his family, filed for a protective order.
Deblois’s criminal history, which includes a prior conviction for violating an order of protection, contributed to the severity of his sentencing. During the trial, it was revealed that Deblois had not only used racial slurs but had also stalked courthouse staff, heightening concerns about his intentions. In a statement following the sentencing, Judge Garrett emphasized the importance of maintaining public trust in the legal system, noting that threats to public servants undermine the rule of law and the proper functioning of government.
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