West Plains, MO. – A Koshkonong man has been charged with a felony after threatening employees of the West Plains Walmart following his termination.
James Johnson, age 55, is facing one charge of Felony Terroristic Threat – 2nd Degree following a phone exchange he made with management at the Walmart Supercenter in West Plains on November 15th and 17th of 2022.
According to the probable cause statement, Johnson’s team lead had called him on Nov. 15th to tell him he had been terminated from the store for not calling in or showing up to work for 3 consecutive days. During the call, they stated Johnson became irate and was yelling and cursing. He stated he had been threatened and bullied by another co-worker. The lead stated it had never been reported and Johnson said, “I am an ex-Marine, and if you don’t take care of it, then I am going to come in and “end it.” in reference to the bullying employee.
On Nov. 17th, Johnson called the store and spoke with Human Resources on his termination and how he could get his job back. During the call, he was asked about the threats and bullying he received and who he reported that to, Johnson replied he told Human Resources, but they had no record of it. According to the PC statement, Johnson became irate, saying he was going to kill the bullying employee, stating to HR “You remember Columbine, don’t you?” After being told that Walmart takes these threats seriously, he asked to speak to a higher-up.
The Store Lead got on the phone at this time and spoke with Johnson. The conversation escalated, and Johnson began threatening the store lead, saying “if you are not going to do anything, you are going to ****ing regret this.”
Johnson’s attorney contacted police saying Johnson would not be giving a statement on the incident.
A $5,000 warrant was issued for Johnson but a memorandum was filed on February 9th by Judge David Ray stating the parties agreed that Johnson’s bond should be amended to his own recognizance bond. Johnson is to have no contact with Walmart or any employee or representative and, shall not enter any Walmart store or property.
