NOBLESVILLE, Ind.— A Hamilton County man faces a Level 5 felony charge after investigators said he threatened two judges who handled his custody case, made statements about their families and warned that his actions could cost lives.
Jarrod Petty, 34, was charged April 16, 2025, with intimidation after investigators said he made threatening phone calls involving Judge Andrew Bloch and Judge Christopher Evans, according to a probable cause affidavit filed in Hamilton County Superior Court.
Threats against judges
Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Officer Matthew Miller wrote in the affidavit that court reporter Jill Savage reported receiving a threatening phone call from someone identifying himself as Petty on April 15, 2025.
During the call, the person said, “I will get justice any way I can. I’m not afraid to break the law to get justice for my little girl, may cost lives, there’s no lines I would not cross,” according to the affidavit.
The caller also compared judicial accountability to a case involving a Kentucky judge and referenced Evans’ two daughters and son, the affidavit states.
Previous reports
The affidavit details two earlier incidents involving calls to Hamilton County court and prosecutor’s office personnel.
On Feb. 21, 2025, someone identifying himself as Petty called the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office Child Support Division and said he knew the courthouse’s entrances and exits, security measures and camera locations, according to the affidavit.
On March 14, Court Administrator Jill Acklin reported receiving a call from someone identifying himself as Petty who made derogatory comments about Bloch and expressed anger over his custody case.
“If I don’t get legal custody of my kids, I’m not following y’alls process,” the caller said, according to the affidavit. He also said, “Don’t dismiss me and act surprised with what happens.”
A separate report that day documented a call in which someone identifying himself as Petty said Evans “will pay hell” if Petty lost custody of his children, the affidavit states.
Custody case
The threats stemmed from a domestic relations case filed in Hamilton County Superior Court 3 on June 6, 2023. Bloch, who was a magistrate judge during part of the case, and Evans both presided over proceedings involving Petty.
Miller wrote that investigators believe the threats were made in retaliation for court decisions in the case.
The charge is a Level 5 felony because the threats involved judicial officers and related to their official duties, according to the affidavit.
In Indiana, a Level 5 felony carries a sentence of one to six years in prison, with an advisory sentence of three years.
The claims are outlined in a probable cause affidavit and have not been proven in court.
