The man who threatened Gov. Martin O?Malley?s life was freed from house detention Tuesday but cannot possess a gun or be within 500 feet of the governor.
Parkville resident Walter Abbott, who threatened to “choke the life out of” O?Malley due to the governor?s views on immigration, also was given a piece of advice from the judge.
“Don?t send any more e-mails,” Baltimore County Circuit Court Judge Dana Levitz said.
Levitz?s verdict was met with a sigh of relief from Abbott?s family and attorney, who said the 44-year-old construction worker was limited by his ankle bracelet during the 59-day detention.
“It?s been killing me. Now I can finally start rolling in some work,” Abbott said.
The Baltimore County State?s Attorney?s Office agreed with Abbott?s plea to be released from home detention, so long as Abbott checks in with the court system, turns in any firearms and keeps his distance from O?Malley.
O?Malley?s office declined to comment.
Officer K.M. Cole of the Baltimore County Department of Corrections said Abbott was an “outstanding participant” in the home detention program.
The psychiatrist?s report stated Abbott “is not assessed to be a danger, on the basis of a mental disorder, to Governor O?Malley or anyone else in the community.”
Levitz agreed with attorneys? recommendation and removed Abbott from home detention.
A trial date has not been sent, and Abbott has elected to stand before a jury on the charges that could land him up to six years in jail as well as a $5,000 fine.
“For a guy who is self-employed, it is critical for his business that he able to go out beyond normal working hours,” said Frank Arthur, Abbott?s attorney.
Abbott was arrested March 18 after sending an e-mail to O?Malley because he disagreed with the governor?s funding of pro-immigration group CASA de Maryland.
Abbott said in his e-mail: “If I ever got close enough, I?d wrap my hands around your throat and choke the life out of you, you piece of s— American sellout.”
Abbott was charged with threatening a public official and sending the threat.
He was arrested and originally held on a $2 million bail before it was reduced.
Abbott apologized for the e-mail but has since said his words were not a threat.
Abbott was to go before District Court Judge Bruce Lamdin, but he is suspended for improper conduct.
