FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 17, 2026)—Attorney General Russell Coleman announced today a Paducah man who threatened a McCracken County Circuit Judge will serve prison time.
David Marshall, 21, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to one count of Retaliating Against a Participant in the Legal Process (Class D Felony). The court sentenced Marshall to serve two years in prison.
After appearing in court in November 2025, Marshall was heard saying he was going to kill the judge “soon as I get out.”
Click here for Marshall’s photo.
“Reasonable people can disagree with court rulings, but threats of violence against judges crosses a red line,” said Attorney General Coleman. “Our Office takes threats against judges, law enforcement, and court personnel seriously, and we will continue to prosecute anyone who tries to undermine the rule of law.”
As part of the plea, Marshall has been ordered to have no contact with the judge and not be within 500 feet of the McCracken County Courthouse unless he is required to be there.
The McCracken County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant Attorney General Richie Kemp prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth.