David Cox Sentenced for Threatening Judge

AG: Kentucky News Releases

Filed March 23rd, 2026

Detected March 24th, 2026

Summary

Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman announced that David Cox was sentenced to two years in prison for threatening a McCracken County District Judge. Cox pleaded guilty to intimidating a participant in the legal process and menacing. The sentence includes restrictions on contact with the judge and courthouse.

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What changed

Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman announced the sentencing of David Cox to two years in prison for threatening a McCracken County District Judge. Cox pleaded guilty to Class D Felony Intimidating a Participant in the Legal Process and Class B Misdemeanor Menacing. The court documents indicate Cox threatened the judge in August 2025, causing apprehension of imminent physical injury.

As part of the plea agreement, Cox is subject to specific restrictions, including no contact with the judge, maintaining a 500-foot distance from the McCracken County Courthouse (unless required for legal proceedings), and avoiding the judges' and prosecutors' parking lot. He will also undergo mental health and substance abuse assessments. The McCracken County Sheriff's Office investigated the case, and Assistant Attorney General Richie Kemp prosecuted. Cox's sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 27th.

What to do next

Review internal policies regarding threats against judicial officers and legal personnel.
Ensure compliance with court orders related to contact restrictions and proximity to courthouses.
Assess the need for enhanced security protocols for judicial and prosecutorial staff in similar situations.

Penalties

Two year prison sentence, no contact with the judge, restricted access to the McCracken County Courthouse and its parking lot.

Source document (simplified)

AG Coleman Announces Prison Time for West Kentucky Man Who Threatened Judge

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 23, 2026) —Attorney General Russell Coleman announced today a Paducah man who threatened a McCracken County District Judge will serve prison time.

On Monday, David Cox, 36, pleaded guilty to one count of Intimidating a Participant in the Legal Process (Class D Felony) and one count of Menacing (Class B Misdemeanor) in exchange for a two year prison sentence.

In August 2025, Cox threatened a judge who he believed would preside over a misdemeanor charge he faced. According to court documents, Cox also acted in a way that put the judge in “apprehension of imminent physical injury from the Defendant.”

“Justice is done when we rely on the rule of law, not threats,” said Attorney General Coleman. “Our Office takes threats against prosecutors, judges and anyone in the legal system extremely seriously.”

As part of the plea deal, Cox has been ordered to have no contact with the judge, not be within 500 feet of the McCracken County Courthouse unless he is required to be there, and under no circumstance be in or near the parking lot used by judges and prosecutors. Cox will also receive mental health and substance abuse assessments.

The McCracken County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant Attorney General Richie Kemp prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth.

Cox will be sentenced April 27th at 2:30 p.m.