Two
Pirate defendants
receive
probation time
Four
others will be back in court in July
Two of the six Pilfered Pirate defendants know their
fate. Four others asked for a continuance at a court appearance
Tuesday morning, and will be back in Platte County Circuit
Court on July 9.
All six suspects in the March theft of an 800 pound,
eight foot tall wooden Pirate statue from the lobby of
the Platte County High School appeared Tuesday in front
of Judge Gary Witt in Division 5 of Platte County Circuit
Court.
Sentenced were Chase A. Verdoorn, 19, and Kevin L. Remmers,
18. Along with four others, Verdoorn and Remmers faced
charges of misdemeanor stealing, first degree trespassing
and second degree property damage.
Witt sentenced Verdoorn to two years probation and 200
hours of community service to be performed at the school.
He also agreed to pay $122 in restitution to the school
and additional fees in court costs.
It was Verdoorn's second appearance in Witt's courtroom
in the past two years. In June of 2000, he had been sentenced
for assault, at which time he was given 48 hours of shock
time in the county jail and two years probation.
As reported in last week's Landmark, the court had granted
Verdoorn early release from his probation approximately
six months ago.
"This is not the first time you've been here,"
Witt told Verdoorn. "Last time you assured me you
weren't going to be back. Why are you back?" the
judge asked.
Verdoorn told the judge: "I'm sorry for my actions
and know that what I did was wrong."
Verdoorn's attorney, Rob Redman of Platte City, explained
to the judge that his client is a three time state wrestling
champion, two time state football champion and has a Division
I scholarship to wrestle at the University of Michigan.
Redman said Verdoorn's parents had been in contact with
athletic officials at Michigan and were told the school
had not yet indicated if this court case would affect
Verdoorn's scholarship in any way. He said his client
has wrestling obligations he'd like to meet this summer.
Redman told the court the Pirate incident was "a
prank that turned bad," adding he realizes any prank
should not include criminal activity.
After sentencing, Witt told Verdoorn: "If you want
to fulfill your wrestling obligations, I strongly suggest
you get started on your community service right away.
"I would also strongly suggest that I don't ever
see you back here again," the judge added.
Remmers was the first of the six defendants to be called
in front of the judge.
Assistant prosecutor Dawn Schaag noted that Remmers had
been cooperative with law enforcement, and it was noted
that Remmers was among the first of the suspects to come
forward to police to provide details of the crime.
Witt sentenced Remmers to six months of probation and
40 hours of community service. He also is to pay the $122
in restitution and also cover court costs.
Remmers wants to enter the Navy in September. Witt said
he would consider early release from the probation providing
the other conditions of Remmers' sentencing are completed.
The four defendants granted continuances by Witt on Tuesday
were Steve B. Jones, 17; Joseph L. Mules 18; Nicholas
R. Jaros, 17; and David R. Poolman, 19. Next court date
for each will be July 9 at 9 a.m.
Platte County Prosecutor Tammy Glick declined the chance
to comment on the sentences handed down.
"It wouldn't be appropriate to comment with four
cases still pending," she said.
The Pirate was stolen during the early morning hours
of March 24. After an investigation that went on for several
weeks, all six defendants eventually admitted to entering
the school unlawfully, according to a statement of probable
cause filed by Platte City Police Detective Dennis Trabue.
According to court papers, the students admitted that
entry was gained by use of school keys assigned to Platte
County High School Athletic Director Greg Jaros, the father
of defendant Nicholas Jaros.
According to court papers, the defendants further stated
that Nick Jaros unlocked a concession stand door, allowing
the other five defendants to aid in the theft of the Pirate.
Once the students entered through the concession stand
door, they proceeded to carry and drag the statue out
of the school through the same door, causing damage to
the gym floor, the Pirate and the school entry door, court
papers allege.
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