Man Accused Of Threatening To Kill Oakland County Judge, Bomb Courthouse Ordered To Trial

PONTIAC (WWJ) - A 24-year-old Pontiac man who allegedly threatened to kill a judge and bomb the Oakland County courthouse has been bound over for trial.

Only one witness was called during the preliminary exam in 50th District Court Thursday for Anthony Jeffrey Brodie.

Brodie faces one count of making a terroristic threat after investigators say he allegedly told the witness, an acquaintance, that he'd been researching the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing and would kill Judge Lisa Gorcyca, who was presiding over a custody case involving his son.

Brodie allegedly indicated that he agreed with bomber Timothy McVeigh's views on the government, saying he was ready and willing to blow up the court and "go to war."

While that testimony was enough for Judge Michael Martinez to order a trial in the case, defense attorney Michell Ribitwer said he doesn't believe the charge has merit.

"There's no explosives, there's no preparation, there's nothing, nothing communicated in writing," he told WWJ's Jon Hewett and other reporters. "Just a guy and a girl out in a car and he's just venting away. As she said it, 'I was just there for him to vent," and he's venting...so that's about it."

"I don't think he's a threat."

The judge continued Brodie's bond pending an upcoming trial date upcoming in Circuit Court. He could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

Gorcyca, meantime, has recused herself from the custody case.