From Jailhouse Grudge To Prison Time: Michigan Man Sentenced For Threatening Judge, Prosecutors
A 61-year-old man from Cheboygan will spend three to 15 years in prison after threatening a local judge and prosecutors, according to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.
Barry Hopkinson was sentenced on June 18 by visiting Judge Colin Hunter from the 46th Circuit Court. The penalty follows Hopkinson’s March guilty plea to one count of attempting to make a terroristic threat, with sentencing enhanced due to his status as a fourth-offense habitual offender.
The case originated in January 2025, when authorities discovered that while incarcerated at Cheboygan County Jail for a prior stalking conviction, Hopkinson repeatedly claimed he was being mistreated.
Investigators determined he had outlined plans to obtain firearms after release, specifically intending to target personnel at the 53rd Circuit Court—including the circuit judge, the Cheboygan County Prosecutor, and an assistant prosecutor.
Hopkinson’s sentencing arrives amid ongoing legal questions about Michigan’s anti-terrorism law. The Michigan Court of Appeals initially ruled the statute unconstitutional, prompting Attorney General Nessel and the Wayne County Prosecutor to file an emergency appeal with the Michigan Supreme Court, which reversed the lower court’s decision.
While the appeals court later upheld the law upon reconsideration, its judges emphasized the need for legislative clarification to strengthen its durability. That matter remains unresolved, as the Michigan Supreme Court has agreed to review the case further.
In response to these concerns, Nessel testified last year before the Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety Committee in support of Senate Bill 502. Introduced by Senator Sue Shink, the bill revises the Michigan Anti-Terrorism Act by making it a felony—carrying up to 20 years in prison, a $20,000 fine, or both—to communicate a terrorist threat with reckless disregard for the danger involved. The bill passed unanimously in the Michigan Senate in March and now awaits a hearing in the House Judiciary Committee.
“While we still have legal tools available, my office will continue enforcing the law against those who threaten prosecutors and judicial officials,” Nessel stated. “But without updated legislation, our anti-terrorism laws remain at risk. Threats of this nature are far too serious to ignore, and we must have reliable means to protect public servants and communities.”
The Hate Crimes and Domestic Terrorism Unit, established by Nessel in 2019 within the Attorney General’s office, is currently handling five active cases under the state’s anti-terrorism statute. State officials recommend that individuals report threats first to their local police, who can then coordinate with the Attorney General’s office as needed.
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Original Article: From Jailhouse Grudge To Prison Time: Michigan Man Sentenced For Threatening Judge, Prosecutors – Tampa Free Press
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