Authorities say a handwritten package packed with threats and delivered to the Indiana Statehouse left Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Loretta Rush fearing for her and her family’s safety. Indianapolis resident Michael James Cable was taken into custody on May 19 and is facing a felony count of intimidation. Charging documents describe the package as a 12-page certified letter marked with a red fingerprint that a statehouse staffer turned over to police.
The affidavit, reported by WTHR, says the letter was dated last Sunday, signed “Pendragon Phoenix by: Michael James Cable TM,” and accompanied by paperwork in a style associated with the sovereign citizen movement. Investigators quoted passages they say show an intent to harm, including language the affidavit summarizes as threatening that “your families will be murdered,” wording that authorities say put Chief Justice Rush in fear.
Court filings reflect that Cable was charged in mid-May with intimidation of a judge or bailiff, a Level 5 felony that carries a possible sentence of one to six years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000, according to The Indiana Lawyer. The outlet reports that the court attempted to hold an initial hearing but halted the proceedings after Cable repeatedly interrupted. The case is listed as State of Indiana v. Michael James Cable, 49D21-2605-F5-014915.
How police say the case unfolded
Charging documents state that on May 14 a statehouse staff member handed the 12-page packet to a capitol police officer, which set off an Indiana State Police investigation. That inquiry led to Cable’s arrest in Indianapolis on May 19. The Marion County Superior Court calendar reflected the case and an initial hearing date in late May, and the court docket shows the case number and related entries.
Legal process and what’s next
Online court records list a hearing scheduled for June 29, according to public filings cited by WTHR, and those records indicate an attorney has been appointed to represent Cable. The Indiana Lawyer reports that Cable is being held without bond and that the case is paused while he undergoes a court-ordered competency evaluation…