http://rutlandherald.com/article/20140301/NEWS02/703019931
Public Defender Jordana Levine helps John Simon to the defense Thursday at White River Junction criminal court. Photo: Photo by Eric FrancisPublished March 1, 2014 in the Rutland Herald Inmate, 88, will be tried for assault on guard By Eric Francis Correspondent WHITE RIVER JUNCTION — An 88-year-old inmate accused of assaulting a guard during a scuffle at the Springfield jail has been found competent to stand trial. John Simon of Peacham, who is serving a sentence for repeatedly violating restraining orders, has difficulty hearing but is able to assist in his own defense, according to a psychiatrist’s report reviewed by the court. Judge Karen Carroll ruled that the misdemeanor case of simple assault on a correctional officer can proceed to a trial in June. Simon is accused of attacking Officer Michael Williams in his cell on Feb. 7, 2013. Simon is serving a sentence of 11 to 60 months. A conviction in the latest case could add up to two years. He pleaded innocent to the assault charge last year after Williams was taken to Springfield Hospital with scratches to his face, forehead and neck. Williams said in his report that he’d tried to remove some small paper cups that Simon wasn’t allowed to have in his cell. Simon yelled an expletive, the officer wrote, and “scratched the left side of my face, drawing blood, and pulling off my glasses.” Williams added, “He was flailing with both arms. To stop the assault I grabbed his hair with my right hand and put him in a headlock ... face down on the end of his bunk.” Williams said Simon pulled the handset of his portable radio off his shoulder and the fight was broadcast on the prison’s radio system. Simon is the oldest prisoner at the Springfield jail, officials said.
The "Springfield jail"? Shades of Barney Fife when an octogenarian gets the drop on you!
ReplyDeleteI am surprised they are not seeking the death penalty for this geezer since a prison guard was involved with this heinous crime. In other news the Vermont Judicial System continues to pass out handslaps to more serious criminals. This case shows just how ridiculous those in charge are in metting out "justice for all".
ReplyDeleteThe guard probably didn't even to attempt to make his presence known loud enough for this elderly inmate to hear. And look at the guy! "Grabbed his hair and put him in a head lock"? What the heck is that!!! I am sure that an 88order year old man could be easier to subdue without such force. Tired of the so called "guards" tasting the power, and feeding their own bottomless egos at the expense of humane treatment.
ReplyDeleteReally? Ya I feel so bad for the inmate. Another loser in jail that attacks a guard. Real winner here. Musta interrupted his favorite show or something. Wtf I'm sure if he attacked you , you would have fought him off with compliments and smiles
DeleteFor real? The man is 88 years old. 2 more years? Come the hell on! This man is obviously on the long end of his life span with little left to go. Hopefully the judge displays less ignorance then you and runs this sentence concurrent. Kudos to you for making a good point. And that point you made is "ignorance is bliss"
DeleteI Know the co that got assaulted. He is a very kind hard worker. Inmates know the consequences when they want to become squirly. My own eyes witnessed from the same place includes many older men who do nothing but work out. When you have no weapons, or pepper spray, you want to subdue the attacker regardless of age. It takes a good few minutes for responders to arrive to help. The CO who put him in a headlock was looking out for his own safety, who knows of the inmate had a knife or razor.
DeleteConsidering he was probably the only CO in the unit, it wouldn't take much for a situation like that to get out of hand. It shouldn't matter how old an inmate is, if they can't behave, they should expect to be held accountable for their actions.
DeleteThis guard should resign in shame. Getting your butt kicked by an 88 year old and then crying about it? What ever happened to billy sticks and cattle prods to subdue those that disagree with you? I guess that Tazer just can't do the job and neither can this guard.
ReplyDeleteFeisty SOB!
ReplyDeleteGary Shaefer eligible for parole from Leavenworth this year.
ReplyDeleteI married into this family not knowing the history. Not connected anymore, but I hope to God he doesn't get released, I am a Catholic and the Christodelphian doctrine is against Catholics.Years ago he asked if they would take him back, Meaning he could be back in Springfield!!!!
DeleteThe guy is 88...leave him alone....unreal!
ReplyDeletePick your favored explanation for his behavior: either 1) Alzheimer's or 2) this is how he's behaved all his life and even another 2 years in the slammer isn't going to change him.
ReplyDeleteEither way, a sad state to be in. There but for the grace of God….
Yeah, but for His grace... . I could be moving in there soon, serving 1 to 5 for Excessive Brusqueness.
DeleteHopefully someone from the press attends the trial and takes some pictures of the guard sobbing on the stand while telling his tale of being beachslapped at the hands of that big meany octogenarian.
ReplyDeleteWon't be long before that guard is filing for PTSD disability compensation citing this severe beating as the cause of it all. It's a Springfield thing to do! Probably has nightmares and flashbacks every day and night.
ReplyDeleteMost likely this happened so the convict can stay in prison until the end. He would not know what to do on the outside. Prison is his home and he likes it there.
ReplyDeleteLikes it and deserves it.
DeleteA little assault here, and pepper spray there, and pretty soon you have a seasoned criminal!
ReplyDeleteIf this is John T. Simon, who used to live in Peacham, he can barely hear and has terrible vision - I mean really bad. His family had to fleE as the Nazi's were coming when he was young and he has not trusted authority ever since. I had him as a math teacher when I was in high school and sometimes he would go off in a tangent about the danger of trusting authority. I think that is where the root of his problems started..overreacting if he got a traffic ticket...not being able to pay a ticket if you think it is unjust...things snowball if you do that. Looking back, I also think he is an Asberger's person..extremely intelligent in some ways, but doesn't connect correctly to others. I love Mr Simon and feel so badly for him, but there is nothing that outsiders can do if he couldn't make the adjustment to trust a public defender. He was fine in he was left alone in his remote house in Peacham, but as he aged, he would have needed wood delivered and food delivered...I wish that could have been arranged before things went haywire.
ReplyDeleteI taught math at WPHS with Mr Simon for many years. I think your remarks are on target. Pete Duffy
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