Worthington man pleads guilty to pulling gun on individual

Timothy Stanley Jr., 33, pleaded guilty to second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon, testifying that he intended to inflict fear upon the alleged victim by pointing a BB gun, which was a replica meant to look like a handgun, at her.

“We got into an argument and I grabbed a weapon and threatened to kill her,” Stanley said in court. “She was cowered down on the floor crying and screaming.”

The sentencing guidelines call for a prison sentence of 90 months for Stanley, whose criminal history score exceeds the maximum score indicated by the state.

However, the plea agreement outlines the opportunity to receive a dispositional departure and admittance to drug court rather than a prison sentence.

Fifth Judicial District Judge Gordon Moore said while it did not serve as justification or meant to minimize the severity, there was no injury inflicted in this case.

“It’s less severe in comparison to other assault cases,” he added.

Moore deferred acceptance or rejection of the plea pending a presentence investigation and sentencing guidelines. Those are not due until after Stanley is able to complete in-patient chemical dependency treatment and drug court, as recommended.

“You’ve got a lot riding on this,” Moore told Stanley of his commitment to drug court. “I’d very much like to see you out of this revolving door of jail and court.”