Lansing man accused of threatening retired Eaton County judge faces terrorism charge

CHARLOTTE — A Lansing man has been charged with threatening a retired Eaton County judge.

Michael Jonathan Wetmore, 46, faces a felony charge of false report or threat of terrorism and a misdemeanor charge of malicious use of telecommunications services. He faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

Wetmore "called the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office and made statements threatening the life of retired Eaton County Judge Julie Reincke," Eaton County prosecutors said in a news release. The call happened Friday, July 19, according to online court records.

Reincke retired from the Eaton County District Court near the end of 2020.

"The charges issued by my office today are serious and reflect my disdain for the defendant’s behavior," Eaton County Prosecutor Doug Lloyd said. "I hope that the charges will also serve as a reminder that words have consequences, especially serious threats of physical harm or death."

Wetmore was arraigned on Monday. A judge set his bond at $150,000 and set a court hearing for later this month. He was represented at arraignment by the Eaton County Public Defender's Office.

Tim Havis, the county's top public defender, said his office received the case Monday and he will begin reading through reports and evidence to prepare a defense. He declined to comment further.

Contact reporter Matt Mencarini at 517-377-1026 or mjmencarini@lsj.com .

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Lansing man accused of threatening retired Eaton County judge faces terrorism charge