Holts Summit man placed on probation in connection with threat case

A Holts Summit man has pleaded guilty to amended charges in connection with making threats against his coworkers at a Jefferson City business.

James Jones, 27, pleaded guilty during a hearing before Cole County Presiding Judge Pat Joyce to misdemeanor charges of making a terroristic threat, harassment and stalking.

The terroristic threat and harassment charges had been felonies but were amended by prosecutors.

Jones was placed on two years of unsupervised probation with special conditions he may not possess or own firearms.

He also may have no contact with Modern Litho Printing employees or be on the business premises. Jones must also complete anger management counseling and take medication as prescribed.

Officers went to Modern Litho on Stertzer Road last August in reference to the threats, according to a Jefferson City Police Department probable cause statement.

Supervisors told police multiple employees had reported Jones had made the threats, and he was arrested at the scene.

Witnesses told police Jones had said he had "enough fire power to start a war." They also said Jones was often seen at work with a "very large folding knife." Other witnesses reported Jones had claimed he wanted to hit other employees in the face with a shovel.

Supervisors told authorities they believed Jones was upset due to his being moved to various positions at the business.

When interviewed by police, Jones reportedly said he was upset with management and understood why others found his statements concerning. He said he was a "loner" and did not have a group of friends besides a gaming community he was involved in. He also said the collection of firearms he talked about was not his but instead belonged to his parents. Jones added he had aggression that was built up due to medication he was taking.