Man faces charges for threats against Dent County Prosecuting Attorney
SALEM, Mo. — The prosecuting attorney of Crawford County has filed charges against a man alleged to have sent a series of threatening communications to the Dent County Prosecuting Attorney’s office. According to online court dockets, Chad Michael Ritter, born in 1974, of Salem, is charged with felony tampering with a judicial officer, as well [...]
SALEM, Mo. — The prosecuting attorney of Crawford County has filed charges against a man alleged to have sent a series of threatening communications to the Dent County Prosecuting Attorney’s office.
According to online court dockets, Chad Michael Ritter, born in 1974, of Salem, is charged with felony tampering with a judicial officer, as well as first-degree harassment, in Dent County Circuit Court.
The probable cause statement says Ritter is accused of sending a series of unwanted — and in some cases threatening— communications to the office of Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley, including personal messages to Curley himself, in December of 2024.
Ritter repeatedly demanded investigations and return of alleged stolen property, referenced delusions about being a federal law enforcement agent and having founded AT&T, and threatened legal and extralegal retaliation if demands were not met, the statement says.
Ritter accused Curley of participating in “organized crime,” made threats of incarceration, subpoenas to the U.N. Security Council, and other measures, per the statement.
The messages also included insults, accusations of corruption, and alleged involvement in atrocities against Ritter extending back decades.
At least one order of protection had been previously obtained by Ritter’s parents, and Curley’s office had prosecuted Ritter for violating that order, the document states.
Curley told law enforcement that Ritter was specifically instructed to cease communication with him and his office, but refused to comply. Emails sent by Ritter were reviewed by law enforcement, including a document of about 54 pages.
Additionally, Curley told law enforcement he feared for his safety and that of his family. Ritter’s messages allegedly intensified after the high-profile ambush killing of the CEO of United Healthcare in December 2024.
A warrant has been issued for Ritter’s arrest with no bond set.
If convicted, he faces up to 11 years in prison.
What's Your Reaction?
