A 30-year-old Apache Junction man has pleaded guilty in federal court after admitting that he threatened to carry out an attack at a local hospital while armed with an axe. The case stemmed from an incident that occurred in 2024 and prompted a significant law enforcement response at a healthcare facility in the East Valley. According to federal prosecutors, the man now faces a potential prison sentence following his guilty plea.
KTAR reported that the defendant, identified as Jacob Michael Hovatter, entered a guilty plea to making threats against a healthcare facility. Federal court records show that Hovatter admitted to threatening violence at Banner Goldfield Medical Center in Apache Junction, a hospital located on Southern Avenue that serves Apache Junction and surrounding communities.
According to court documents, the incident occurred on June 12, 2024. Prosecutors said Hovatter contacted the hospital and made threatening statements indicating he intended to come to the facility carrying an axe and kill people inside. Authorities treated the threat as credible and immediately launched an investigation.
Law enforcement agencies responded quickly to the situation. Investigators worked to identify the source of the threat while hospital officials implemented safety precautions. Authorities said the threat created fear among hospital employees and raised concerns for patients and visitors who were at the facility at the time.
Federal prosecutors stated that investigators were able to trace the threatening communication back to Hovatter. During the investigation, authorities determined that he was responsible for making the statements that led to the emergency response.
As part of the federal case, Hovatter ultimately admitted his actions and agreed to plead guilty. The plea was entered in U.S. District Court in Arizona. Prosecutors noted that threats targeting hospitals and healthcare facilities are taken extremely seriously because they can disrupt medical operations and place patients, staff members, and visitors at risk.
Federal officials emphasized that healthcare facilities have become increasingly concerned about threats of violence in recent years. Authorities said threats can force hospitals to divert resources away from patient care, increase security measures, and create unnecessary fear among workers and patients.
Banner Goldfield Medical Center is a 20-bed hospital that provides emergency services, medical and surgical care, imaging, laboratory services, and other healthcare services to residents of Apache Junction and neighboring communities. The facility operates around the clock and serves as an important healthcare resource in the region.
According to prosecutors, Hovatter’s sentencing is scheduled for a later date. The charge carries a potential prison sentence, although the final punishment will be determined by a federal judge after reviewing sentencing guidelines and other factors associated with the case.
The investigation was conducted by federal and local law enforcement agencies. Prosecutors said the case demonstrates the commitment of authorities to aggressively pursue individuals who make threats against healthcare facilities and public institutions.
Officials continue to encourage members of the public to report threats of violence immediately so law enforcement can intervene before anyone is harmed. Authorities noted that even threats that are never carried out can have serious consequences and may result in significant criminal penalties.
Source: KTAR
