Formal charges in Seymour bank threats case

Formal charges have been filed against a Jackson County man accused of threatening employees at JCBank in Seymour last week.

According to the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office, 60-year-old Fred W. Heckman of Seymour is being accused of three felony counts of attempted murder, four felony counts of intimidation and one count of disorderly conduct, a misdemeanor.

Authorities say that Heckman entered the bank branch in Seymour on Friday and threatened employees. He then left, bought several hammers and returned to the area. The threats and behavior were reported to police and officers pulled his vehicle over in the area. In addition to the hammers, the found a loaded shotgun with the safety off a shell in the chamber.

Authorities say that the hammer purchases were substantial steps toward a plan to kill three people. He also allegedly threatened a Seymour police officer.

Prosecutors sought an increased bond for Heckman, citing the severity of the allegations, concerns for public safety and that he expressed his intent to flee the jurisdiction. The bond was set at $450,000 cash only.