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.