A former East Ridge City Court judge is accused of threatening to kill a family member and their mutual friend, according to an affidavit of complaint.
John Cris Helton, 63, was arrested late last month and charged with writing threats to kill or do bodily injury in Panama City Beach, Florida, where he now lives, the affidavit said.
Helton allegedly texted a photograph Sept. 28 of a large black and silver kitchen knife to his female family member.
‘The defendant also included a death threat text message under the photo stating, ‘I take that back I will kill both of you first. Don’t forget she knows your worth,” the affidavit said.
The other person Helton was referring to was allegedly a mutual friend who was included in a group text message.