The man who was once the voice of the “Peanuts” TV cartoon character Charlie Brown will go to prison for making criminal threats.
Peter Robbins, 59, pleaded guilty last month to to threatening the manager of the Laguna Vista Mobile Home Park in Oceanside where Robbins used to live.
Robbins admitted to writing threatening letters from his jail cell. Authorities said in some letters, Robbins offered to pay $50,000 to have San Diego County Sheriff William "Bill" Gore killed.
In court Monday, Robbins asked to withdraw his plea and requested a new attorney. The judge denied that request and sentenced Robbins to four years and eight months in prison.
After several public outbursts during previous court appearances, Robbins told the judge in November he suffers from a mental illness.
"This is what happens when you are bipolar. You behave as if you are on drugs," he said. "I want justice to be served, but I’m mentally ill. ... To stick me three years into a state prison is not benefitting the justice system. I feel I’m entitled to at least a second chance."
Robbins, who began his acting career at age 9, was the voice of Charlie Brown for the iconic television specials "A Charlie Brown Christmas," "It's a Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" and "A Boy Named Charlie Brown."
The former child actor's legal problems began in January 2013 when Robbins was arrested at the U.S.-Mexico border. He later pleaded guilty to stalking an ex-girlfriend and the plastic surgeon who had operated on her. In May 2013, Robbins was sentenced to jail time and ordered to enroll in a residential drug treatment program.
He was also sentenced to five years of probation. Shortly after his release from prison, Robbins was arrested again and charged with violating probation. Robbins has been in jail since late February 2015.
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On June 5, during what was supposed to be his sentencing for multiple probation violations, an angry Robbins acted out in court with a profanity-laden outburst, yelling at the judge, "I hope you drop dead of a heart attack."
Most recently, on Sept. 25, Robbins was set again to be sentenced for violating probation but was instead charged with four new felony counts, including making criminal threats against the sheriff.
One of the victims in the case spoke to NBC 7 outside of court and described a sense of relief that the case was over.
"Personally, I think he should have got a lot more time but it is what it is," Patrick Brophy said. He and his wife were property managers at the Laguna Vista Mobile Home Park.
"We're satisfied it's all over."
