Randolph County court updates

Jerry D. Schaeffer

On July 19, 31-year-old Jerry D. Schaeffer, of Sparta, appeared before Judge Richard A. Brown for a bench trial on the charge of home invasion.

During the trial, a set of facts were presented that showed Schaeffer entered a mobile home in Sparta on November 20, 2016 while armed with a knife and knowing three persons to be present.

Schaeffer then threatened imminent force against the occupants. The defense presented stipulated testimony from Dr. Daniel Cuneo that indicated Schaeffer was not able to appreciate the criminality of his conduct due to a mental illness.

Following the trial, Schaeffer was found not guilty by reason of insanity and was remanded to the Chester Mental Health Center for an evaluation.

Schaeffer will appear before Brown again on September 6 at 9 a.m. to determine if he will continue to be held in the Department of Human Services.

"There is no question Mr. Schaeffer was experiencing extreme mental difficulties at the time of this incident," said Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker. "Mr. Schaeffer was so psychotic when he was arrested Judge Brown and I had to go down to the jail to conduct the first appearance due to the fact Mr. Schaeffer had to be strapped in a restraint chair."

Shortly after being appointed counsel, Schaeffer was found unfit to stand trial, meaning he could not cooperate with counsel in his defense due to a mental illness.

After being placed at Chester Mental Health, Schaeffer did regain fitness, but Dr. Cuneo later expressed his opinion that Schaeffer could not understand what he was doing on November 20, due to his mental illness.

"Having the first-hand knowledge of Mr. Schaeffer post-arrest, it did not seem appropriate to try to argue against the findings for Dr. Cuneo," Walker said. "Mr. Schaeffer will be evaluated for inpatient versus outpatient treatment within the Department of Humans Services and can be kept in DHS/Mental Health for the maximum time as allowed by the underlying charges, which is 15 years."

Walker stated that many people have a misconception that a not guilty by reason of insanity finding means that person automatically goes home.

"That is not the case," he said. "A person is screened for further mental health services and will be treated either in an inpatient or outpatient basis.

"However, very rarely would someone be treated on an outpatient with this set of facts and charges.

"We were lucky no one was hurt in this matter and we will get Mr. Schaeffer the much needed mental health assistance he needs."

The Sparta Police Department handled the investigation in this matter.

Deane R. Dowdy

On July 20, 44-year-old Deane R. Dowdy, of Pocahontas, pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of deceptive practice (Class A misdemeanor) before Judge Richard A. Brown.

Dowdy admitted to passing a bad check to a veterinarian office in Sparta on July 5, 2016.

Pursuant to the negotiated plea, Dowdy was ordered to pay fines/costs and restitution in the amount of $234.50 to the business.

"Ms. Dowdy was given a chance to pay the check in our in-house bad check program, which she did not do," said Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker. "Therefore, we filed a felony charge on her due to the amount of the check and she posted bond.

"However, she did not show up for court. Therefore, she was arrested again and was required to appear before a judge due to her past failure to appear."

Walker stated that with the previous posted bond, along with additional money Dowdy's significant other brought to court, all the fines and court costs were paid for at the time of the plea.

"Ms. Dowdy had no priors, so a reduction in charges seemed appropriate to a misdemeanor," Walker said. "Additionally, our biggest concern is getting a business their money, which we did."

The State's Attorney's Bad Check Program handled the investigation in this matter.