Security Increased For Federal Judge After Preacher's 'Wrath Of God' Threat

CHICAGO (CBS/AP) -- The federal courthouse in Chicago says security has been stepped up for a U.S. district judge after a possible threat against her.

The chief judge for the Northern District of Illinois, Ruben Castillo, issued a statement Monday afternoon saying a defendant may have made a threatening statement directed at Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman.

The Chicago Sun-Times reports the concerns about Coleman's safety stem from a fraud case involving Cicero preacher Herman Jackson.

When the judge ruled against Jackson recently, he reportedly told the paper: "Because of Judge Sharon Coleman's continual mocking of God's ecclesiastical order and the sanctity of family/marriage, the wrath of God almighty shall soon visit her home."

Jackson denies he was trying to threaten the judge.

Castillo didn't provide any details in his five-line statement.

"The Court has been in contact with the United States Marshals Service, which is in charge of judicial security for all federal judges. As a result of this review, security has been increased for Judge Coleman. Judicial security is of the utmost importance, and the Court takes all such threats seriously," he said.

The American Bar Association says Coleman was nominated by President Barack Obama and joined the federal bench in 2010.

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