Wisconsin Man Allegedly Threatens Judge Over Court Case Printouts

Richard Paul, a convicted sex offender, is accused of threatening to 'gun down' the judge during his next court appearance.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 3:05pm

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An extreme close-up of a handcuffed wrist and hand, the metal cuffs reflecting a harsh, direct flash of light against a pitch-black background, conveying a sense of the stark, gritty, and investigative nature of this crime.A harsh, unforgiving close-up of the physical restraints used to detain a repeat offender accused of threatening a judge, exposing the grim realities of the criminal justice system.Racine Today

A 68-year-old Wisconsin man named Richard Paul, who was already in custody at the Racine County Jail for failing to update his sex offender information, allegedly threatened to kill the judge overseeing his case after being denied printouts of his previous court cases. Paul reportedly told a correctional officer that he was having an 'indifference' with the judge and said he 'might as well go in and pick up a homicide' since he had 'nothing to lose'.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the challenges courts and law enforcement face in dealing with repeat offenders and individuals who become increasingly belligerent and threatening when denied access to information or accommodations they believe they are entitled to. It also raises concerns about the mental health and stability of certain defendants who make alarming statements while incarcerated.

The details

According to the criminal complaint, on March 25th, Paul became upset after a correctional officer told him he could not get printouts related to his previous court cases. Paul allegedly told the officer that he had 'done told the b--- to go f--- herself' and that 'there ain't nothing that you can threaten me with that I ain't been through already.' When the officer offered to let Paul view the case information on a tablet instead, Paul reportedly responded by saying 'That's telling me then I might as well go in and pick up a homicide. I've got nothing to lose.' Paul's alleged threats against the judge escalated, with him saying that when he went to court on March 31st, 'I'm gunning down. And y'all going to be picking up a body out that f---ing courtroom.'

  • On March 25, Paul allegedly made the initial threats to the correctional officer.
  • Paul is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, April 3rd, in connection with the threat charge.

The players

Richard Paul

A 68-year-old Wisconsin man who is a convicted sex offender and has been incarcerated almost every year since 1980. He is currently in custody at the Racine County Jail for failing to update his sex offender information.

The Judge

The judge overseeing Richard Paul's case, who ordered him to remain in jail until his trial.

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What they’re saying

“I'm about to just get totally belligerent.”

— Richard Paul, Inmate

“There ain't nothing that you can threaten me with that I ain't been through already.”

— Richard Paul, Inmate

“That's telling me then I might as well go in and pick up a homicide. I've got nothing to lose.”

— Richard Paul, Inmate

“I'm gunning down. And y'all going to be picking up a body out that f---ing courtroom.”

— Richard Paul, Inmate

What’s next

Paul is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, April 3rd, in connection with the threat charge.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges courts and law enforcement face in dealing with repeat offenders who become increasingly volatile and threatening, especially when they feel they are being denied access to information or accommodations. It raises concerns about the mental health and stability of certain defendants and the need for better systems to identify and address these issues before they escalate to the point of violence.