MONROE COUNTY STATE ATTORNEY’S OFFICE ANNOUNCES RESOLUTION OF THREAT CASE INVOLVING JUDGE MARK WILSON

Monroe County, FL— On October 30, 2023, the Monroe County State Attorney’s Office received a disturbing email from the office of Judge Mark Wilson. The email, originating from Richard Scott Walter’s account, contained explicit threats directed at Judge Wilson, including statements such as, “Sent you piece of fucking shot it is going to be my pleasure to take you down anyway I know how.” “Pieces of fucking shit.” “I calling everyone I know to terrorize you and your family.” “I know to terrorize you and your family as this ha smy iphone.” This email came from Richard Walter’s email account.

Immediately after receiving the email, SAO Investigators Frank Zamora and Tom Walker met with Judge Wilson, who expressed deep concern for his and his family’s safety and welfare.

Under Florida law, it is unlawful for any person to send, post, or transmit threats to kill or do bodily harm to another person, or to harm or threaten harm to any public servant or their immediate family.

Richard Walter pled no contest to the charges of ‘written threats to kill or do bodily injury’. The case was presided over by Judge Teresa Pooler of the 11th Judicial Circuit, by order of the State Supreme Court, and prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney James Stewart of the 20th Judicial Circuit, due to the conflict of interest.

Judge Pooler adjudicated Mr. Walter guilty, imposing 18 months in state prison, followed by 24 months of probation with special conditions, including no contact with Judge Mark Wilson or his family, and a mandatory mental health evaluation within 30 days of his release.

Monroe County State Attorney Dennis Ward commented, “Due to the conflict of interest, I voluntarily disqualified my office from this case. I want to thank Judge Pooler and Assistant State Attorney James Stewart for their efforts in ensuring justice was served. Under no circumstances, will I tolerate threats against our judiciary and their families. My Office will aggressively pursue and prosecute any individual who threatens their safety.”

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