Hamlin man receives jail for threatening judge

Matthew Peterson

LUDINGTON – A 30-year-old Hamlin Township man was arrested Thursday at the Mason County Courthouse after he was heard making threats against Family Court Judge Jeff Nellis. Matthew Peterson, 2486 N. Jebavy Dr., was arrested for contempt of court after he said if things didn’t go his way in a court hearing he was going to jump over the bench and attack the judge, according to a press release from the Mason County Sheriff’s Office.

Judge Jeff Nellis

“Deputies were in the courtroom due to previous threats from Mr. Peterson that he would bring a gun to court and shoot everyone,” Chief Deputy Bob Brown said. Peterson was in court for a child custody hearing.

Judge Nellis charged Peterson with contempt of court and sentenced him to two days in jail.