No bail for man charged with threatening Obama

DETROIT (AP) -- A man accused of threatening the life of President Barack Obama has appeared in federal court in Detroit after being charged with six crimes. James Ball was indicted earlier this month in Tampa, Fla., but arrested in Port Huron, Mich., where he's been living since April. He's accused of writing letters last year threatening to kill Obama while living around Sarasota. The 60-year-old appeared in court Tuesday and was ordered to jail. A judge says Ball has a long criminal record and is a danger to the public. His attorney says the threats were written when Ball was under the influence of drugs. Attorney Jonathan Epstein says the case probably will stay in Detroit and a guilty plea is possible. Magistrate Judge Mona Majzoub is recommending a mental-health evaluation. Published: Thu, May 19, 2011