OOLITIC – A 40-year-old Oolitic man, Justin W. Gosciniak, has been accused of felony intimidation after allegedly threatening to harm his girlfriend and her family.
According to a Probable Cause Affidavit filed by Lawrence County Sheriff’s Deputy D. Miller, the incident occurred on March 20, 2025, at an apartment complex located on 9th Street in Oolitic.
On that date, Deputy Miller and Deputy T. Porter responded to the apartment after receiving a report from the girlfriend’s father. The father stated that Justin Gosciniak, who resides with his daughter in the apartment, had threatened to kill her and her family.
Upon arrival at the apartment, deputies spoke with the girlfriend, who appeared distressed and teary-eyed. She reportedly told deputies that Gosciniak came home under the influence of methamphetamine and became aggressive towards her, leading her to defend herself. She acknowledged that Gosciniak sustained a scratch during the incident, but it was from her pushing him away in self-defense.
According to the girlfriend, Gosciniak allegedly told her, “If he can’t have her, no one else can, and he would break her arms.” She further stated that Gosciniak threatened her, saying if she spoke with law enforcement, he would hurt her, and if she took any action, he would come after her and her family. She also reported that Gosciniak allegedly said if the deputies came out, he would “put our heads to God.”
Deputies then proceeded to another apartment in the same complex to speak with Gosciniak. He reportedly invited them inside and stated that his girlfriend thought he was crazy because he believed in God, and he claimed he did not want to hurt her. After being read his Miranda Rights, Gosciniak allegedly said he was willing to talk. He admitted to a recent relapse and that his girlfriend was upset about it. However, Gosciniak denied harming his girlfriend or making any threatening statements towards her. Deputies did observe a scratch on his chest, but Gosciniak reportedly stated he did not want to press charges against his girlfriend. He informed deputies he would remain in his apartment for the rest of the night.
Deputies returned to speak with the girlfriend, advising her on how to obtain a protection order against Gosciniak. Deputy Miller informed her that a report would be sent to the prosecutor’s office for review. Extra patrols were reportedly assigned to the area of the apartment complex.
Based on the information gathered, Deputy Miller stated in the affidavit that there was probable cause to believe that Justin Gosciniak committed the crime of Intimidation, a Level 6 felony. The Lawrence County Prosecutor’s Office issued a warrant for Gosciniak’s arrest. He was detained on Wednesday, April 23.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article is based on the information provided in the Probable Cause Affidavit and does not represent a final determination of guilt or innocence.
