Skelton had posted life-threatening tweets on Twitter about President Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and Jeb Bush, according to court documents.
The maximum sentence for Skelton’s two counts of assault on a federal officer is 28 years, but his federal public defense attorney said the non-binding, advisory sentencing guidelines call for a prison term from 46 to 57 months. Rice accepted the plea, ordered a pre-sentence report and will determine Skelton’s sentence.
Wearing a dark suit, Skelton said, “Guilty” to both counts and said he understood he may have to pay restitution and that he will be on three years’ of supervised release after his sentence is serviced. Skelton remains free on his own recognizance and is continuing treatment at NOVA House in Dayton.
Two Secret Service agents and a Clark County Sheriff’s detective went to Skelton’s house to talk to him March 5, 2015.
An affidavit said Skelton took a defensive posture, yelled, “You have NO authority over me” and started swinging and hitting two law enforcement officers, causing injuries to the Secret Service agent that included a broken nose, a bruised eye and concussion symptoms.
Court documents said Skelton posted several threatening tweets, including one that read, “After @BarackObama and @HillaryClinton are cooked Heading over to @JebBush to kill him and daddy so I can get that #Nazi Embassy Key.”
U.S. Secret Service Special Agents Matthew Schierloh and Jennifer Tron were accompanied by Clark County Sheriff’s Deputy Todd Shillito to 1655 Grant Road, documents indicate. As the officers approached the residence, they saw Skelton in a vehicle as he drove it to the rear of the property.
The officers identified themselves and showed ID as Schierloh explained the nature of the investigation they were conducting. The affidavit said Shillito attempted to check Skelton for weapons when “Skelton struck Deputy Shillito in the head with a closed fist. Skelton then struck Agent Schierloh in the face with a closed fist.
“The agents and the deputy attempted to detain Skelton as he continued to swing his arms and closed fists. After several minutes, the agents and the deputy were able to wrestle Skelton to the ground and place him in handcuffs.”
Count 1 of Skelton’s indictment has a maximum of 20 years because an injury was inflicted, while Count 2 has a maximum of 8 years. Both carry maximum fines of $250,000.
About the Author