Piqua man pleads in nunchucks attack, standoff with police

A Piqua man accused of attacking a neighbor with nunchucks and engaging police in a standoff in January pleaded no contest Monday to attempted felonious assault and tampering with evidence as part of a plea agreement.

Lenvil Persinger, 43, originally faced charges of felony aggravated burglary, felonious assault and tampering with evidence. He was described by Piqua police at the time of the January incident as “a self-identified sovereign citizen."

MORE POPULAR STORIES: Calling 9-1-1 doesn’t mean they’ll be able to find you

The original charges will be dismissed with the pleas Monday in Miami County Common Pleas Court. Persinger was found guilty by Judge Christopher Gee in Miami County Common Pleas Court.

Persinger earlier this month was found competent to stand trial. The trial was scheduled to begin Wednesday.

Persinger was accused of breaking into his neighbor’s apartment and assaulting a man after hearing a boyfriend and girlfriend arguing.

He made no comment Monday beyond answering questions from Gee. A presentence investigation was ordered. Persinger faces up to three years in prison on each of the charges at sentencing July 2. As part of the plea deal, prosecutors agreed to remain silent at sentencing.

Defense lawyer Steve King asked Gee to consider reducing Persinger's bail from $50,000 cash to a recognizance bond. He said Persinger would live either with his mother in Springfield or friends in Troy, if released.

Gee ordered a bond check by the adult probation office. He will decide on the bail request after receiving that report.

Janna Parker, assistant county prosecutor, said prosecutors opposed Persinger's release prior to sentencing but, if the judge found release was appropriate, would request an order for Persinger to have no contact with the two victims in the case.

About the Author