OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A man who originally avoided prison after making a series of bomb threats across the Fox Cities – and to the White House – was sentenced Tuesday to 18 months in prison after making more threats while on probation.
Joshua Cheek, 30, was convicted in February, 2020, on three counts of making bomb scares. He made threats to Menasha High School, a Menasha store, one to manufacturing plant, and one to the White House. No devices were ever found.
Winnebago County Judge Barbara Key had originally placed him on five years of probation, but that was revoked in April. Besides the 18 months in prison, on Tuesday Key placed Cheek on extended supervision for two years.
In arguing for the maximum sentence, Assistant District Attorney David Rashid said Cheek was “continuing to engage in this type of behavior,” although specific examples were not offered in court.
Defense attorney Eric Heywood noted Cheek admitted to the violations, and could face additional charges for them. He requested a year in prison.
In his comments, Cheek commented on his treatment since he was revoked but did not address the allegations themselves or the newly-made threats.
Cheek had been previously convicted of similar acts in Winnebago and Dane counties, and in Florida. He had been sentenced to jail and mental health treatment for previous convictions.
