A Fort Wayne man on Thursday admitted harassing and intimidating Third District Congressman Jim Banks, with a sentencing hearing set for Nov. 17.
Aaron L. Thompson, born in 1989, pleaded guilty to a Level 6 felony as well as a Class B misdemeanor following repeated threatening calls to Banks’ congressional office in April.
In an interview with the United States Capitol Police, Thompson admitted to being intoxicated and calling Banks because he disagreed with his political views. In his messages, Thompson said he owned a gun as allowed by the Constitution and told Banks to choose between himself or his daughters, according to the June 2 probably cause filing.
“Here’s the choice. Your daughters grow up without their dad or you grow old without your daughters,” Thompson allegedly said. “… boom, boom you pick …”
According to the plea agreement filed Thursday, Allen County prosecutors recommend a sentence of 2 years and 183 days for the felony charge of intimidation and 180 days for the misdemeanor charge of harassment. Both sentences would be suspended in favor of placing Thompson on probation for 2 years and 360 days.
Under probation, Thompson is not allowed to possess or use alcohol and other unprescribed drugs. The agreement includes a special probation condition that Thompson shall not contact the Banks family or co-workers, including staff members of the Third Congressional District.
However, the special condition includes a caveat that allows Thompson to write to the congressional office on issues “related to the services provided by the Third Congressional District” and requires he provide a copy of his communication to his probation officer.
A sentencing hearing will determine the fines and restitution required by the court.
Threats against Congress have increased in recent years, with several — including Banks — reporting threats for their votes on House Speaker.
Banks opted not to run for re-election and will instead run for U.S. Senate, where he has won the Indiana Republican Party’s nod as nominee, though the primary election won’t be held until May. Banks does face a challenger in that race, who is suing the state over a law he says bars him from appearing on the GOP primary ballot.
The guilty plea agreement doesn’t include any mention of a potential Senate position in the no-contact order.
GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
