An Alorton man faces charges of threatening an assistant state's attorney who was prosecuting him for illegal dumping.

Norman J. Stuckey, 58, faces a Class 3 felony for threatening a public official. He was charged Thursday by a special prosecutor.

The charge alleges that Stuckey of threatened the life of St. Clair County Assistant State's Attorney Ben Henning and that the threat was made when Henning was performing his duties as an assistant state's attorney.

Stuckey was in the St. Clair County Building in Courtroom 108 on Tuesday facing open burning, improper disposal and open dumping charges issued May 30 by the St. Clair County Sheriff's Department.

During the negotiations on the dumping tickets, prosecutors say Stuckey threatened Henning, who told bailiffs. State's Attorney Brendan Kelly declined to comment on what Stuckey said to Henning.

The case was then investigated by the sheriff's department.

"I'm grateful for the quick action of the bailiffs, sheriff's department and the Appellate Prosecutor," Kelley said. "Such alleged threats cannot be taken lightly and cannot be tolerated."

Stuckey was previously charged with aggravated battery with a firearm and aggravated battery in 2006. He was convicted of domestic battery in 2007. He also was convicted of unlawful use of a shotgun and unlawful use of a weapon.

Stuckey's bail was set at $50,000, and he was ordered to surrender any firearms in his possession as a condition of bond.

The charge of threatening a public official carries a possible prison sentence of two to five years.

Contact reporter Beth Hundsdorfer at bhundsdorfer@bnd.com or 618-239-2570.