Gregory Todd Maddox, 52, pleaded guilty Wednesday in Amherst Circuit Court to the felony charge and another count of possessing methamphetamine. Judge Michael Garrett sentenced Maddox to 20 years with all but nine months suspended in accordance with a plea agreement.

Maddox also faces a felony count of manufacturing and possessing an explosive device in Lynchburg. He is scheduled for trial March 31 in Lynchburg Circuit Court.

Amherst Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Clint Carwile said evidence would show if the case proceeded to trial on May 25 the defendant drove by a home brandishing a crossbow and what appeared to be a pipe bomb. Maddox reportedly told several individuals he would turn them into “hamburger meat,” Carwile said.

In a fit of rage, Maddox threatened the individuals in what was a “very bad domestic dispute,” Carwile said. The incident led to Maddox fleeing in a Toyota pickup truck from an Amherst County Sheriff’s deputy and he was eventually pulled over in Lynchburg, authorities have said.

A Virginia State Police news release issued after Maddox’s May 25 arrest said a search of the vehicle yielded discovery of a suspicious device, bomb technicians responded to the scene and further investigation confirmed it was a homemade device.

Two misdemeanor counts of using profane language on a public airway against Maddox were dropped as part of the plea agreement.

Michael Lovell, Maddox’s attorney, said the plea deal was in the defendant’s best interests. Maddox intends to move to Colorado, where he previously has resided, when his case in Lynchburg is resolved, Carwile said.

Garrett ordered credit for time served, which is nearly nine months, and Maddox must be on good behavior upon his release for 20 years.