OTTAWA — A man who threatened a judge faces up to six years in prison when he is sentenced Sept. 14 in Putnam County.
Matthew R. Stateler, 34, faces six years in prison based on a recommendation by the prosecution. He pleaded guilty this month to attempted felonious assault, aggravated menacing, harassment with bodily substance and retaliation.
In exchange for the plea, the prosecution dismissed charges of domestic violence and criminal damaging/endangering.
Stateler, of Columbus Grove, is accused of making threatening comments about Judge Randall Basinger after a hearing in a case. The threat was made May 20.
The other charges are for spitting on a deputy after officers placed him in a restraint chair at the Putnam County jail.
Visiting Judge David Faulkner of Hardin County is handling the case since part of the charges involve Basinger.
