An Arkansas man faces up to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty in federal court to threatening a judge and possessing child pornography.
The incident reportedly stemmed from a denied Social Security disability claim.
According to investigators, Rodney Dewayne Sheffield, 40, of Barling, became upset after the denial and made threats to shoot an administrative judge at the Fort Smith Central Mall, along with an employee of his attorney who worked in a nearby office.
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A witness reported hearing Sheffield say he “couldn’t take it anymore” before heading to the mall.
Police stopped Sheffield shortly after the 911 call and discovered a rifle and ammunition. A search warrant for his phone later revealed images and videos of child pornography.
Sheffield pleaded guilty to one count of threatening a federal official and one count of receipt of child pornography.
He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years for the threat charge and a minimum of 5 years for the child pornography charge. A sentencing date will be set at a later time.
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