Federal Judge Curtis Collier on Wednesday rejected an agreed sentence for a Chattanooga man who pleaded guilty to making vulgar, threatening calls to former U.S. Rep. Diane Black., who was in the courtroom and gave a statement.

Judge Collier called it "a crime against all citizens," saying such threats could lead some people to forego running for public office.

The judge said, "Today it is common to sew the most despicable venom and unspeakable lies about public officials. That has an obvious potential to affect our democracy. There should be a very clear statement that this conduct cannot be tolerated in a civilized society."

The sentencing range for Clifton Stewart Ward, 45, was 6-12 months for threatening a federal official.

Ward earlier spent eight months at the Hamilton County Jail. His attorney, Gianna Maio, said while there his belongings were stolen and he was beat up for standing up for another individual who was robbed. She said since he was allowed out on bond he had complied with all requirements, including giving up longtime use of marijuana.

It was agreed between the prosecution and defense that the recommended sentence would be time served.

However, Judge Collier set the term at 10 months. Ward is ordered to report to serve the final two months after 30 days.

Authorities said on May 25, 2018, that Ward left a message on the phone of Rep. Black. Prosecutor Perry Piper said it was so vile that it caught the attention of the FBI and he said he could not repeat some of it in court. He said an FBI agent went to the home of Ward, a prominent local cook, and warned him against doing so again. However, Ward left a second voice mail in which he asked about a wall being built and said that "something needed to be put on top of" Rep. Black.

At the hearing, Ward apologized to the former member of Congress and said he was "truly sorry."

Former Rep. Black, who noted she has three children and six grandchildren, said when her husband found out about the calls that he wanted her to withdraw from politics. However, prosecutor Piper said she is "as tough as a Waffle House steak" and stayed on.

Ms. Black noting that she is only 5'2", said, "There had been some threatening calls before and each one impacts you a little more."

She spoke of fellow members of Congress Gabby Giffords and Steve Scalise, who endured attacks by separate gunmen.

She thanked Ward for his apology and said she hopes he gets beyond his issues and becomes a productive citizen.

Attorney Maio said Ward has had mental health issues and impulse control problems in the past. She said he has recently been staying away from social media in order not to get wrought up again.

She said at the time of the calls he had gotten his "dream job" with a top Atlanta restaurant.

