By Billy Davis

An investigator for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Oxford alleges former hospital administrator Ray Shoemaker assaulted and threatened him March 1 at the federal courthouse there.  

Shoemaker allegedly lashed out at investigator Sammy Aldridge during a break between court proceedings according to an affidavit signed by Deputy U.S. Marshal Mike Quarrels.

Quarrels states in the affidavit that video camera footage he reviewed confirmed that Shoemaker was “aggressive and confrontational” with Aldridge.

A preliminary hearing on the matter is scheduled for Monday, March 12, at the federal courthouse in Aberdeen.

Shoemaker, 38, was found guilty March 2 of conspiracy, bribery, embezzlement, and making false statements to federal investigators.

He is free on bond and awaiting sentencing.

The day before federal jurors announced their verdict, Aldridge claimed he had an encounter with the defendant outside the third-floor courtroom where the two-week trial was being held.

Aldridge did not testify during the trial but had investigated Shoemaker and participated in FBI interviews with him according to courtroom testimony.

Quoting Aldridge’s version of the confrontation, Quarrels alleged that Shoemaker called the investigator a “white racist redneck cracker” while complaining about the investigation and prosecution.

“During the confrontation, Shoemaker struck Aldridge in his mid-section with his hand,” Quarrels alleged in the court document.   

Aldridge also alleged Shoemaker asked him, “What kind of car do you drive?,” which the investigator considered a threat.

Aldridge also claimed he could smell alcohol on Shoemaker’s breath.

In the affidavit, Quarrels states a second federal employee, Nathan Lampert, was present with Aldridge and provided a second witness of the alleged incident.

U.S. Magistrate Judge David Sanders is set to hear the case at 10 a.m.