According to a transcript of the probation violation hearing, Gibney expressed surprise at seeing Hammond back in court, though neither he nor the prosecutor handling the case seemed to consider Hammond’s violation to be a serious transgression.

“I have got to say, you know, you came in here for your sentencing, you had half the political leadership of Henrico County here for you,” he said, referencing the high-profile support Hammond received from Henrico Board of Supervisors member Tyrone Nelson, Del. Lamont Bagby and University of Virginia Rector George K. Martin.

“And I have got to say that I cut you an enormous break on this case. Absolutely enormous. I mean, you stole a couple hundred thousand dollars, wasn’t it? So I did not expect to see you back.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas A. Garnett characterized the messages as “mildly threatening” and suggested Hammond get a suspended sentence.

“Essentially, we would just ask the court to give Mr. Hammond a very stern talking to,” Garnett said.

Gibney agreed, telling Hammond that sending threatening messages “is really not a good idea to do in the short run or the long run.”