NORWICH – Michael D. Richardson, 36, formerly of Bainbridge, appeared in court Tuesday, charged with making a terroristic threat, a class D felony. By the end of the day, both District Attorney Joseph A. McBride and Richardson’s attorney had rested their cases, and a verdict is still pending as of this morning’s deadline.

It is alleged that Richardson – in July of last year and with the intent to intimidate or coerce a civilian population; influence the policy of a unit of government by intimidation or coercion; or affect the conduct of a unit of government by murder, assassination or kidnapping – placed threatening remarks in letters addressed to his estranged wife and mother-in-law stating his intent to perform acts of violence directed at a number of people including a judge, who, though not specifically named, is alleged to be recently retired Judge W. Howard Sullivan.