Judge sentences man convicted of threatening to shoot striking teachers
A man convicted of threatening on social media to shoot striking Ringgold School District teachers was sentenced Monday to spend two to 23 months in the county jail.
“He’s really paid a terrible price,” said Neil Marcus, the attorney representing George J. Shallenberger, 45, of Union Township.
On a community Facebook page Nov. 9, 2017, Shallenberger posted the comment, “Let’s raise taxes for these worthless (expletive)!! … They sure have nice cars for not making any money, (Expletives),” and “Easiest job in the world but they need more money. Shoot them and start over.”
The day before, Shallenberger had posted on his own Facebook page, “Happiness is a warm gun,” the title of a Beatles’ song, and the words, “Guns don’t kill people, I kill people,” – a quotation from the movie “Happy Gilmore.”
Shallenberger apologized for his comments in court Monday before Judge Valarie Costanzo.
The defendant, who lost his job as a welder after he was arrested and jailed for five days, at his trial downplayed any intent, and Marcus stressed that Shallenberger never acted on the threat.
“I have another interview this week,” he told the judge during the 15-minute proceeding Monday. “I’m about to lose my house and everything.”
Marcus said he intends to appeal Shallenberger’s conviction to state Superior Court, and asked that his client remain free during the appeal process.
The adult probation office, which prepared a pre-sentence report, noted several people submitted letters on Shallenberger’s behalf.
The judge ordered Shallenberger to report to the county jail April 2, allowing him to be released for employment.
She ordered him to undergo a mental health assessment, and banned him from Ringgold school property unless granted prior permission. If there is an emergency at school related to one of his children, he must be accompanied by Ringgold school police.
Jurors in December had a choice of acquittal or finding Shallenberger guilty of either a misdemeanor or felony.
They chose the harshest verdict, a third-degree felony due to causing occupants of a building to be diverted from their normal or customary practice. Pickets dispersed once they learned they might be targeted.
“In an era of mass shootings, this is understandable,” Costanzo said before passing sentence.
The teachers’ strike lasted 22 days.