June 6, 2018 at 6:13 p.m.
Schuman gets jail time in battery case
Schuman gets jail time in battery case
By Abigail Bostwick-
Frank Schuman, 25, was acquitted on several felony domestic abuse charges and found guilty of three misdemeanor battery counts after a week-long jury trial last month in Vilas County Circuit Court.
The criminal complaint alleged Schuman, a professional MMA fighter and past LdF tribal police officer, strangled, kicked, punched and threatened his former wife with an AR-15.
At Tuesday's sentencing hearing, ex-wife Carli Bergquist, 23, Woodruff, testified before Judge Michael Bloom.
"Never in a million years did I think I'd become a victim of domestic violence," she testified. Bergquist said she'd endured years of emotional and physical abuse and until recently, been silenced. "He was going to kill me."
Bergquist indicated she stayed in the marriage because the couple have two young daughters and she worried about losing custody and their subsequent safety.
"I had to pull through, I had to be strong," she said. "I'm finally not Frank's defender ... I will never be the same."
Prosecuting attorney John Kaiser noted the vast majority of domestic abuse cases are never heard.
"This case is different," he observed. "Acquittal doesn't mean it didn't happen or that he's innocent. It means the jury didn't find enough evidence."
Kaiser noted Schuman has shown no remorse for his actions and asked Bloom to not allow Schuman to "...hurt other people."
Defense attorney Steve Lucareli told the court the couple, who had their first child while in high school and married young, were ill-equipped for life as adults and parents.
"This is not the monster the state is trying to paint. This is not the monster Ms. Bergquist is trying to paint," said Lucareli, who also aargued there were no significant injuries to Bergquist and insufficient evidence to support her testimony. He said the records in support of her injuries were not sufficient.
"I'm making all the best steps forward for myself and my children," Schuman told Bloom. He cited building a new home, working full time and aiming to open a school to teach martial arts as evidence of his plans for the future. "I'm doing anything to stay out of trouble."
All three of the counts Schuman was found guilty of involved "full blown physical contact ... kicking, knocking down, pulling hair, using a dangerous weapon..." Bloom noted. "I do know I can't find this was a run-of-the-mill domestic abuse incident," said Bloom. "How am I supposed to believe what goes on in Mr. Schuman's mind ... Ms. Bergquist pointed out observations of his behavior over the course of the trial. Mr. Schuman did not look scared to me."
Bloom noted he needed to balance the testimony of all parties, the decision the jury rendered and the safety of the community as well as opportunity for redemption.
"Mr. Schuman testified that he never struck his wife. The jury did not accept that testimony," Bloom said.
He then sentenced Schuman to 8 months' jail, minus time served, with Huber work release privileges.
Schuman also must serve three years probation, pay court costs, comply with alcohol and drug assessment, and a psychological evaluation.
He may not possess any weapons or firearms.
"It is important to look toward the future. Keep a low profile," Bloom advised Schuman.
Comments:
You must login to comment.