Appeals court reaches for slang dictionary

A Missouri court of appeals has determined that threatening to “put the shammy” on someone is not a felony.

In 2006, a Kansas City man named William Heather was charged with harassment after he left disturbing messages on a woman’s phone. In a voice message, Heather said, in part, “you can get this straight if you’re someone I think I know, right, and you can go to prison for the rest of your f—-ing lives and never see your children again.” The message continued: “I’m getting ready to put the shammy on everybody you f—-ing know and everybody you f—-ing even talk to.”

The woman testified that she did not know Heather, who also sent text messages with threats about sending her to prison.

Heather was charged with violating a city ordinance. The violation notice said Heather “threaten[ed] to commit a felony, to wit, stated he would kill her.”