Thursday, March 5th, 2020
Man who shot at brother gets suspended sentence
By Sydney Albert
CELINA - A Rockford man who fired five shots at his brother - and missed - in their shared home was ordered on Wednesday to forfeit his firearm and undergo a psychological assessment in exchange for a suspended prison sentence.
Randy J. Schallenberg, 55, was sentenced to 180 days in jail for a first-degree misdemeanor charge of domestic violence and another 180 days in jail for a first-degree misdemeanor aggravated menacing charge.
He pleaded not guilty in May to fourth-degree felony domestic violence, fifth-degree felony possessing criminal tools and first-degree felonies of aggravated menacing and using weapons while intoxicated.
The fourth-degree felony domestic violence charge and fifth-degree felony possessing criminal tools charges were amended, respectively, to first-degree misdemeanors of domestic violence and aggravated menacing. The other charges were dropped as part of the plea deal.
According to the stipulation of facts, on or about March 27, Schallenberg fired five errant shots at his brother inside their shared home. Schallenberg reportedly was upset with his brother at the time, and the brother was fearful he would be seriously injured. One of the shots reportedly struck and damaged a heater.
Schallenberg was granted 99 days' credit for time served, with the remaining balance suspended on the conditions he forfeit the FIE Model 15 E .22-caliber revolver that he used in the incident, be assessed by Foundation Behavioral Health Services and consume no alcohol or drugs unless prescribed by a medical professional.
Mercer County Common Pleas Court Judge Jeffrey Ingraham on Wednesday advised Schallenberg to address any psychological issues he may need to tackle to maintain a peaceful relationship with his brother. It was important that the two treat each other with love and respect moving forward, Ingraham said.
Schallenberg apologized for his actions, saying he loved his brother and his brother loved him. Schallenberg said he believed the two were on good terms now.
