Schallenberger expected to use insanity defense

Lawyers of an 18-year-old Mount Croghan man expected to stand trial for plotting to blow up his high school have said they will use an insanity defense, according to federal court documents.

U.S. public defenders Bill Nettles and Mike Meetze, who are representing Ryan Schallenberger, have given notice of intent to rely upon the insanity defense and have consented to their client undergoing a second mental evaluation.

Schallenberger underwent a forensic competency evaluation last year, but the results of that evaluation are sealed.

The mental evaluation could determine whether Schallenberger was “unable to appreciate the nature and quality or the wrongfulness of his acts” because of a severe mental disease or defect, according to court documents.

It also could determine if Schallenberger was legally insane at the time of the alleged offense.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rose Mary Parham and Buddy Bethea, who are prosecuting the case, have asked that the examiners prepare a report with their findings, a diagnosis and a prognosis for the teenager.

A Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agent testified during a hearing in April that Schallenberger told them during the interview that he wanted to die, go to heaven and kill Jesus.

Investigators found papers that showed Schallenberger started testing several explosive devices as early as April 2007.

Investigators also said Schallenberger made a list with notes indicating if he liked the explosives.

Schallenberger’s parents received a notice in the mail about a package April 19, retrieved it from the post office and discovered it contained 20 pounds of explosives.

Authorities alleged the teenager planned to blow up Chesterfield High School, where he was a senior.

Schallenberger was arrested April 19 and was charged in a three count indictment with:

• Receiving and attempting to receive an explosive with the knowledge and intent that it would be used to kill, injure or intimidate an individual, and damage and destroy a building, vehicle, or other real and personal property. If convicted of this charge, he faces a maximum possible prison term of 10 years.
• Attempting to damage and destroy real property owned, possessed or leased to Chesterfield High School and the Chesterfield County School District, by means of fire and an explosive. This crime is punishable by a mandatory minimum prison term of five years and a maximum possible term of 20 years.
• Possessing an unregistered destructive device. If convicted of this charge, he faces a maximum possible prison term of 10 years.

Because of the publicity surrounding the case, U.S. Chief District Court Judge David C. Norton ordered state-wide jury panel for Schallenberger’s trial which is expected to begin in May.