A man accused of vandalising Vice President JD Vance's Ohio residence has formally entered a plea of not guilty to multiple federal charges. The case, which involves significant property damage and alleged assaults on federal officers, is now proceeding through the United States District Court in Cincinnati.
Federal Charges and Court Proceedings
William D. DeFoor, aged 26, appeared before a federal judge on Tuesday to answer three serious criminal counts. Prosecutors from the United States Attorney's Office have charged him with damaging government property, engaging in physical violence against persons or property within a restricted building or grounds, and assaulting, resisting, or impeding federal officers in the execution of their duties.
The potential penalties for these offences are substantial. If convicted, DeFoor faces up to ten years imprisonment on each of the first two charges. The third count, related to assaulting federal officers, carries a maximum sentence of up to twenty years in a federal penitentiary.
Alleged Incident at East Walnut Hills Residence
According to a detailed federal affidavit, the incident occurred in the early hours of January 5th at Vice President Vance's home in Cincinnati's affluent East Walnut Hills neighbourhood. Secret Service agents on duty reportedly observed an individual, later identified as DeFoor, running along the front perimeter fence just after midnight before crossing the property boundary.
The court documents allege that DeFoor was armed with a hammer and initially targeted an unmarked Secret Service vehicle parked in the driveway, attempting to smash its windows. He then proceeded towards the main residence, where he is accused of breaking fourteen historic window panes. The damage to security enhancements installed around these windows has been valued at approximately twenty-eight thousand dollars.
Defence Cites Mental Health Concerns
Paul Laufman, the defence attorney representing William DeFoor, has addressed the court regarding his client's mental state. Laufman has characterised the situation as "purely a mental health issue" and has explicitly stated that his client's actions were not politically motivated. This assertion introduces a significant dimension to the legal proceedings, potentially influencing both the defence strategy and the court's consideration of the case.
The plea of not guilty sets the stage for what could be a protracted legal battle, with the defence likely to focus on DeFoor's mental health evaluation and treatment history. The prosecution, meanwhile, will emphasise the severity of the alleged offences against protected government property and personnel. The case highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by high-profile political figures and their families, even at their private residences.
