Nationwide — Michael A. Deblois, a 44-year-old man from Independence, Missouri, has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for leaving racist and threatening voicemails aimed at Judge Kenneth R. Garrett III. Prosecutors said the calls were filled with slurs, vulgar language, and violent threats.
Deblois, who is white, was convicted in July of tampering with a judicial officer and harassment motivated by discrimination. Police arrested him on March 26 after he repeatedly called Garrett, a Black judge with the 16th Circuit Court, over two days in March.
According to the Kansas City Star, investigators said Deblois left more than a dozen voicemails during that time. In those messages, he used the N-word, accused the government of corruption, and complained about “reverse discrimination” and a dispute with his homeowners’ association. He also mentioned foreclosure and claimed he was being mistreated.
One recording cited in court showed Deblois warning of an “eye for an eye” and hinting at future actions. Prosecutors said he openly identified himself in the calls, leaving both his name and phone number while making the threats.
At sentencing, Judge Garrett said threats against public officials undermine the justice system and weaken trust in government. He stressed that grievances must be raised respectfully, not through intimidation or violence.
“Without confidence in our system of government, our republic will fail and chaos will ensue,” Garrett said. He added that public servants should be able to perform their duties without fear.
Deblois will serve his 11-year sentence in state prison.
Nationwide — Michael A. Deblois, a 44-year-old man from Independence, Missouri, has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for leaving racist and threatening voicemails aimed at Judge Kenneth R. Garrett III. Prosecutors said the calls were filled with slurs, vulgar language, and violent threats.
Deblois, who is white, was convicted in July of tampering with a judicial officer and harassment motivated by discrimination. Police arrested him on March 26 after he repeatedly called Garrett, a Black judge with the 16th Circuit Court, over two days in March.
According to the Kansas City Star, investigators said Deblois left more than a dozen voicemails during that time. In those messages, he used the N-word, accused the government of corruption, and complained about “reverse discrimination” and a dispute with his homeowners’ association. He also mentioned foreclosure and claimed he was being mistreated.
One recording cited in court showed Deblois warning of an “eye for an eye” and hinting at future actions. Prosecutors said he openly identified himself in the calls, leaving both his name and phone number while making the threats.
At sentencing, Judge Garrett said threats against public officials undermine the justice system and weaken trust in government. He stressed that grievances must be raised respectfully, not through intimidation or violence.
“Without confidence in our system of government, our republic will fail and chaos will ensue,” Garrett said. He added that public servants should be able to perform their duties without fear.
Deblois will serve his 11-year sentence in state prison.
