Ottawa threat suspect released on house arrest – Shaw Local

A Sheffield man facing up to 10 years in prison for allegedly threatening a shooting in Ottawa was released from custody Tuesday and placed under house arrest.

David E. Jones, 42, made an unscheduled appearance in La Salle County District Court on Tuesday. A detention hearing was originally scheduled for late last week, but the matter was continued indefinitely while Jones underwent a medical evaluation.

On Tuesday, Jones was released on conditions including GPS monitoring.

Jones was charged following an investigation into a Sept. 3 incident at the Ottawa office of the Ministry of Children and Family Services. There, Jones allegedly left a voicemail saying, “You are worthless, and if anything happens to my children, I will open fire on DCFS headquarters.”

According to court documents, Jones took part in a police interview and admitted leaving the note but denied intending to follow through on the threat. Jones also said he did not have access to firearms because he is a convicted felon and has served four Department of Corrections sentences for crimes in Bureau and Johnson counties.

He is charged with intimidation and threatening a public official, as well as Class 3 felonies that carry extended prison sentences of two to 10 years because of his criminal history. He is also charged with harassment by telephone, a Class 4 felony that carries an enhanced sentence of one to six years.

He will next appear in court for a hearing on December 19th.