Hamilton County man convicted after threatening two judges

By JOHN HERRICK
WISH-TV | wishtv.com

A Hamilton County man faces up to 13 years in prison after being convicted of threatening two judges who handled his custody case, made statements about their families, and warned that his actions could cost lives.

Petty

Jarrod Petty, 35, was charged April 16, 2025, with intimidation after investigators said he made threatening phone calls involving Judge Andrew Bloch and Judge Christopher Evans, according to a probable cause affidavit filed in Hamilton County Superior Court.

Threats against judges

Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Officer Matthew Miller wrote in the affidavit that court reporter Jill Savage reported receiving a threatening phone call from someone identifying himself as Petty on April 15, 2025.

During the call, the person said, “I will get justice any way I can. I’m not afraid to break the law to get justice for my little girl, may cost lives, there’s no lines I would not cross,” according to the affidavit.

The caller also compared judicial accountability to a case involving a Kentucky judge and referenced Evans’ two daughters and son, the affidavit states.

Previous reports

The affidavit details two earlier incidents involving calls to Hamilton County court and prosecutor’s office personnel.

On Feb. 21, 2025, someone identifying himself as Petty called the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office Child Support Division and said he knew the courthouse’s entrances and exits, security measures, and camera locations, according to the affidavit.

On March 14, Court Administrator Jill Acklin reported receiving a call from someone identifying himself as Petty who made derogatory comments about Bloch and expressed anger over his custody case.

“If I don’t get legal custody of my kids, I’m not following y’alls process,” the caller said, according to the affidavit. He also said, “Don’t dismiss me and act surprised with what happens.”

A separate report that day documented a call in which someone identifying himself as Petty said Evans “will pay hell” if Petty lost custody of his children, the affidavit states.

Petty’s sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 24.

This story was originally published by WISH-TV at wishtv.com/news/local-news/hamilton-county-man-charged-with-threatening-two-judges.