Caledonia Argus

Accused vandals appear in court

Posted: 2/26/02

By Shannon McKinney
Argus News Reporter

Jesse O'Bieglo and Keith Schroeder, both 18, appeared in court Friday, February 22. They are charged with vandalizing the new middle school /high school, a shelter in Beaver Creek State Park, and damage to a residence in Money Creek.

Damage to the middle school had been estimated at $50,000, but recent assessments have lowered that number by half to $25,000. Damages to a shelter at Beaver Creek were placed at $18,000, and there were no estimates for the private residence.

Omnibus hearings will be set for the two, though, dates have not yet been scheduled.

Greg Schultz, representing Schroeder, requested an omnibus hearing, which allows the defendant to question whether there was probable cause or to question the legality of any search and seizure.

James Schultz, representing OíBieglo, did not initially request an omnibus hearing. Schultz said he had looked at the complaint and did not have a chance to review police reports, so he asked to reserve the right to request an omnibus.

District Judge James Fabian said because this was a felony matter, he preferred to schedule for an omnibus whether one was needed or not.

Houston County Attorney Rick Jackson requested that he have the right to make a motion to consolidate the omnibus hearings in case similar challenges are brought forth. ìIíd like to hear them at one hearing. What Iím doing is looking ahead. You donít know what their challenges are,î Jackson told The Argus.

During the hearing, it was requested if OíBieglo could attend a family vacation to South Carolina scheduled for March 14.

Fabian said he would consider the request after seeing an itinerary of the vacation.

OíBieglo and Schroeder both posted $5,000 bail and must adhere to stringent release and curfew conditions. They cannot be out past 3:00 p.m. and may be out between 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. if in the company and not more than 10 feet away from a parent.

The hearing was attended by ISD (Independent School District) #299 Superintendent Percy Lingen and former board member Peggy Derrick.

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