CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A Kanawha County woman who twice threatened to kill Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin is headed to prison. Joyce Gilley, 54, entered a plea Tuesday in Kanawha County Circuit Court to one count of attempt to commit terroristic acts and one count of terroristic acts.
Prosecutors said it happened last October when Gilley mailed a letter to the governor’s office threatening Tomblin’s life. Less than two weeks later, according to assistant prosecutor Jennifer Gordon, she sent a second letter.
“On or about the 16th day of October, the defendant again sent a letter threatening to kill Governor Tomblin, threatening to shoot him. She was upset with certain policies,” explained Gordon. “One of her goals in actually writing that letter was seeking to be put in prison.”
As part of the plea deal, Gilley agreed to a 1-3 year prison sentence on the first count of attempt to commit terroristic acts and another 1-3 years for terroristic acts. The defendant declined a pre-sentencing hearing and asked the judge to sentence her immediately.
“With the understanding regarding the punishment for these two offenses, do you still desire to plead guilty today,” asked Judge Paul Zakaib.
Gilley’s response, “Yes.”
Zakaib granted Gilley time served, 236-days in the regional jail, for the count of attempt to make terroristic acts. On the second count, she’ll serve at least one year and a maximum of three years behind bars.
Gilley was immediately taken out of the courtroom in handcuffs and shackles.