A Gadsden County man denies saying he must kill the judge who sentenced him in 2002.
By Times Staff Writer
Published April 22, 2004
DADE CITY - A 32-year-old Gadsden County man serving a three-year prison term for cocaine possession is facing an additional charge, accused of uttering threats against the judge who sentenced him.
According to court records, authorities have charged Anthony Billingsley with making a threat against a public servant, based on testimony from Zephyrhills Correctional Institution psychologist Sharon Trehuba.
According to Trehuba's account, Billingsley was incarcerated at the prison in January 2003 when he told her he was upset with Pasco-Pinellas Circuit Judge Lauren Laughlin, who sentenced him in 2002.
"This b---- has got to go," Trehuba said Billingsley told her, while he pounded his fist. "I have to kill her for sending me here."
Court records are unclear on how the case against Billingsley developed, indicating that charges were filed in September and again this month. He was expected in court Tuesday to change his not guilty plea, but records indicate he filed another plea of not guilty. A bail-reduction hearing is scheduled for April 29.
State records indicate Billingsley is not due for release until July 2005.
