Guilty plea in THS shooting threat case

(TAYLORVILLE) — Payton L. Chronister, 18, of Taylorville pled guilty to a charge of felony disorderly conduct in Christian County Circuit Court this morning.

Chronister, a senior at the time, was accused of writing a threat of a shooter being in the school on Nov. 3, 2022.

He was sentenced to four days in the Christian County Jail with credit for two days served (good time applies). He will serve 18 months probation and has fines and fees totaling $1,070.

During the proceeding, Christian County Resident Judge Brad Paisley asked Chronister several times “Why he would do such a stupid thing?” The first answer was not accepted by Judge Paisley and he admonished the defendant he would not approve the plea agreement unless he came up with a better answer. It took two more tries before the Judge was satisfied with his answer.

Judge Paisley then accepted the plea agreement, but with the stipulation the defendant obtain his GED or high school diploma and within 30 days write a formal letter of apology to Matt Hutchinson, Taylorville High School principal for his actions.

At the end of the proceeding, the Judge told Chorister he hoped, “This is a one time stupid kid prank that I won’t have to see you again.”