$1.6 million bond set for man who threatens judges

The Chambers County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) reported the arrest of a 30-year-old man on Sept. 10 who threatened district judges. His bond was set at $1.6 million by Pct. 6 Justice of the Peace Larry Cryer.

Dustin Matthew Riddle of League City was arrested and charged with two counts each of terroristic threat against a judge (state jail felony and $500,000 bond), terroristic threat causes impairment of public service  (third-degree felony and $250,000 bond) and obstruction or retaliation (third-degree felony and $50,000 bond).

According to a CCSO press release, on Sept. 9 detectives were able to identify the caller as Riddle. Six arrest warrants were secured for Riddle. CCSO reported, with assistance from the League City Police Department and Texas Rangers, they went to Riddle’s residence and took him into custody. They conducted a search warrant at the residence before transporting him to the Chambers County Jail.

CCSO reported at 9:16 p.m. Sept. 8 they received a suspicious phone call from an unknown male subject, and he threatened the lives of both Chambers County district judges. Deputies were sent to check both judge’s residences where they remained, providing security.

As the investigation progressed, deputies tracked down information on possible callers. Throughout the investigation, there was evidence the caller attempted to utilize applications and virtual private networks to prevent being tracked.

During the investigation, the subject called back in the early morning hours of Sept. 9 stating there was a bomb at the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies conducted a thorough search of the building and found no indication of an explosive.

Once again on Sept. 9, the subject called stating that there was a bomb in the Chambers County Courthouse. The courthouse was immediately evacuated while deputies and detectives checked the courthouse and surveillance footage in the area. There was no evidence of an explosive.