A former East Ridge City Judge and Chattanooga attorney is charged with threatening to kill his wife and her friend.

Police arrested John Cris Helton in Palm Beach, Florida after they say he texted his wife a picture of a large black and silver kitchen knife, as well as a death threat, according to an affidavit obtained by Local 3 News.

"I take that back I will kill both of you first," police say he texted his wife. "Don't forget she knows your worth."

After his arrest, Helton admitted to taking the photo and sending it to his wife.

From the photo, investigators determined he was wearing the same color of pants and shirt worn as he captured the photo.

His bond was set at $50,000. Helton will be arraigned on Monday, November 3.

Last April, the Tennessee Supreme Court suspended him

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