Appeal filed on behalf of man convicted of threatening to shoot striking teachers
The attorney representing a man convicted of making a third-degree felony threat to shoot striking Ringgold teachers has appealed the jury’s verdict to state Superior Court.
A Washington County jury found George J. Shallenberger Jr., 45, of Union Township, guilty last December, and he was sentenced earlier this month to serve 2 to 23 months in the county jail.
“This is the appeal on the merits of the jury’s decision,” said attorney Neil Marcus. “We cannot file an appeal until the judge sentences the defendant.”
Assistant District Attorney Nathan Michaux could not immediately be reached for comment.
Marcus can ask Superior Court to delay sentencing, but he said it is unlikely that the appellate court would intervene before April 2, the date Judge Valarie Costanzo gave Shallenberger to report to the county jail.
As part of his sentence, the judge banned him from Ringgold School District property and events unless he receives prior written permission from the superintendent.
She also ordered that he not possess any firearms throughout the duration of his sentence and noted federal law may prohibit him from possessing any firearms once his parole has ended.
Shallenberger was ordered to complete an anger management course in addition to having a mental health assessment and complete any recommended treatment.
With proper documentation, he will be permitted to serve his sentence on work release.
The conviction and sentence stemmed from Shallenberger’s Nov. 9, 2017, comment on a community Facebook page, “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 at his sentencing.
The teachers’ strike lasted 22 days.