A Pueblo resident has been handed a 15-year prison sentence after being found guilty of three counts of retaliation against a Denver judge, prosecutors announced on Wednesday.
The individual, identified as Thomas Wornick, aged 43, sent a series of threatening emails to Judge Judith Labuda between March 5, 2024, and March 15, 2024, leading to his conviction, according to the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
Labuda presided over several of Wornick’s ongoing criminal cases, making her the target of his threats.
“On March 15, 2024, Mr. Wornick sent three emails to the (judicial) division, threatening to murder or kill me,” Labuda stated in a written testimony to investigators. “His emails left me feeling unsettled, and in fear.”
Wornick, a former combat veteran, was already on a deferred sentence for threatening former U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner before facing additional criminal charges.
The Denver Police Department’s Counter Threats Section was alerted to Wornick’s threatening emails on March 18, 2024, after receiving information from Denver District Court.
Given the involvement of a Denver judge, a special prosecutor from the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office was assigned to handle the case.
“When someone attempts to intimidate or harm those who serve the public, we will respond with every tool the law provides,” stated Deputy District Attorney Joseph Henriksen. “This sentence sends a clear message that violent threats will not be tolerated.”
Wornick was immediately taken into custody at the Denver County Jail pending his transfer to a Colorado prison.
“No public servant should ever fear for their life while simply carrying out their duties,” Assistant District Attorney Ryan Brackley emphasized. “Mr. Wornick’s repeated threats warranted a swift and firm response. Our office is dedicated to safeguarding our courts from intimidation and upholding the rule of law.”
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