FORT WAYNE - A Fort Wayne man received almost three years of probation Friday, November for harassing and threatening Third District Congressman Jim Banks and his daughters.

Aaron L. Thompson, 34, pleaded guilty to a Level 6 felony as well as a Class B misdemeanor following repeated threatening calls to Banks’ congressional office in April. He received suspended sentences and was placed on probation for two years and 180 days.

In an interview with the United States Capitol Police, Thompson admitted to being intoxicated and calling Banks because he disagreed with his political views.

In the voicemails, Thompson said he owned a gun as allowed by the Constitution and told Banks to choose between himself or his daughters, according to the June 2 probable cause filing.

“Here’s the choice. Your daughters grow up without their dad or you grow old without your daughters,” Thompson allegedly said. “… boom, boom, you pick…”

Banks released a statement Friday, saying, “My family’s safety is my number one priority and threats of violence are not something I take lightly. This has significantly impacted my family and I’m grateful for the Office of the Allen County Prosecuting Attorney and local law enforcement for taking this matter seriously.”

According to the plea agreement, Thompson received a sentence of 2 years and 180 days for the felony charge of intimidation, and another 180 days for the misdemeanor charge of harassment. Both sentences were suspended in favor of placing Thompson on probation.

Information provided by Niki Kelly – The Indiana Capital Chronicle is an independent, not-for-profit news organization that covers state government, policy and elections.