Pueblo man sentenced to 15 years in prison for threatening to kill Denver judge

A Pueblo man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after a jury found him guilty of three counts of retaliation against a Denver judge, prosecutors said Wednesday.

Thomas Wornick, 43, sent nine emails between March 5, 2024, and March 15, 2024, threatening to kill Judge Judith Labuda, according to the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, which prosecuted the case.

Labuda was the presiding judge in several of Wornick’s ongoing criminal cases.

“On March 15, 2024, Mr. Wornick sent three emails to the (judicial) division, threatening to murder or kill me,” Labuda said in a written statement to investigators. “His emails left me feeling unsettled, and in fear.”

Wornick, a combat veteran, was already serving a deferred sentence for threatening former U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner when he was charged with new criminal offenses.

On March 18, 2024, the Denver Police Department’s Counter Threats Section received information from Denver District Court regarding threats Wornick was making by email.

Since this matter involved a Denver judge, a special prosecutor from the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office was assigned to the case.

“When someone attempts to intimidate or harm those who serve the public, we will respond with every tool the law provides,” Deputy District Attorney Joseph Henriksen said. “This sentence makes clear that violent threats, no matter who makes them, will be met with serious consequences.”

Wornick was remanded into custody at the Denver County Jail while awaiting transfer to a Colorado prison.

“No public servant should ever fear for their life simply for doing their job,” Assistant District Attorney Ryan Brackley said. “Mr. Wornick’s pattern of escalating threats demanded a strong, decisive response. Our office is committed to ensuring that intimidation has no place in our courts, and to protecting those involved in upholding the rule of law.”

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