Man sentenced for threats against Trump and his family

U.S. President Donald J. Trump.

Man sentenced for threats against Trump and his family

Grand Rapids, MI A 35-year-old man has been sentenced to 18 months in a federal correctional facility for making threats to kill President Donald Trump and assault his family members. U.S. District Judge Jane M. Beckering issued the sentence on Monday.

Richard James Spring pleaded guilty to one count of making threats against the President of the United States. In exchange for his plea, prosecutors dropped additional charges related to threatening Trump.

As part of his plea agreement, Spring will undergo mental health, anger management, and substance abuse counseling. The threats began with a TikTok post on January 22.

Court documents revealed grotesque details of the threats, including a message stating that he would “make sure he is assassinated before his first year.” Following threats directed at Trump’s family were also documented.

On January 26, Secret Service agents questioned Spring about the threats he made on social media. He claimed they were not meant to be taken seriously, stating he was a Democrat who disagreed with Trump’s policies.

Spring has no access to weapons and lacks formal military or police training, according to court filings. A search of his phone showed that his previous Twitter account had been suspended for similar threats.

Following his release, Spring will serve two years on supervised release.

Texas man sentenced to life for neighbor’s murder after shooting 32 times

Texas man sentenced to life for neighbor’s murder after shooting 32 times

Forney, TX A man has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his neighbor, marking a significant conclusion to a violent case. Trevor Rhea McEuen, 33, was found guilty of capital murder on Thursday by a Kaufman County jury.

Judge Shelton Gibbs IV handed down the sentence, denying McEuen the possibility of parole. Prosecutors chose not to pursue the death penalty, focusing instead on a life sentence under Texas law.

The incident occurred on May 1, 2023, when Aaron Martinez, 35, was shot multiple times on Neal Road. McEuen admitted to the shooting but claimed it was self-defense after previous harassment incidents.

Defense attorney Abigail Spain argued that McEuen believed he was justified in using deadly force, citing fear for his safety. The jury rejected this defense after deliberating for four hours following a four-day trial.

Kaufman County Sheriff Bryan Beavers expressed gratitude for the work of law enforcement and prosecutor’s office, stating that the verdict serves as a form of justice for the Martinez family.

Evidence presented during the trial revealed that McEuen used a semi-automatic rifle to shoot Martinez 32 times after a confrontation. Assistant District Attorney Robyn Beckham characterized the murder as an act of hatred.

Documents indicated ongoing neighbor disputes, including accusations of harassment and provocations leading up to the fatal incident. Court records stated that Martinez had attempted to reduce tensions by hiring workers to build a fence.

On that day, Martinez had left his property around 11 a.m. to procure construction supplies and lunch for his crew. Gunfire soon erupted, with deputies later discovering Martinez in his vehicle, having sustained fatal injuries.

Following a standoff, McEuen was arrested and later released on a $2 million bond before evading law enforcement by cutting off his ankle monitor. Authorities conducted a monthlong manhunt leading to his apprehension.

The victim’s memory was honored in an obituary celebrating his love for family, work, and activities such as horse riding. Martinez’s father expressed emotional relief following the verdict, emphasizing the significance of McEuen’s life sentence.

Man impersonates attorney to visit jailed girlfriend

Prison Cell Jail

Man impersonates attorney to visit jailed girlfriend

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – A man is accused of pretending to be an attorney in order to gain access to his girlfriend at the Oklahoma County Detention Center. Aaron Oldham, 41, attempted to have power of attorney paperwork signed for his girlfriend, Christine Hillier, 41, who was incarcerated.

On Monday, Oldham entered the detention center, posing as Hillier’s attorney. He approached the visitation center and inquired about Hillier, claiming, “We are trained in patients,” in reference to his supposed legal background.

Once inside the attorney visitation booth, Oldham and Hillier filled out the power of attorney paperwork. The situation escalated when staff witnessed Oldham and Hillier embracing.

Records show Hillier had been booked into the facility on October 6 on a warrant from Nevada. After their meeting, Oldham left the jail. He was later arrested on charges of false personation after authorities noted he did not possess a license to practice law.

Court records indicate that a probable cause affidavit was filed against him on Tuesday. Oldham suggested there had been a “misunderstanding” regarding the situation.

Local defense attorney Ed Blau remarked on the incident, saying he had never encountered someone pretending to be a legal professional at the jail. The Oklahoma County Detention Center stated a staff member failed to follow verification procedures, allowing Oldham access.

In a statement, the detention center announced disciplinary action against the staff member involved and confirmed that all employees in the attorney visitation area would receive retraining to prevent future incidents.

An unusual case of love and deception unfolds as authorities tighten up security protocols in response to Oldham’s actions.