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Rucker to be released to mom |
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February 22, 2017 |
A federal judge ruled today to release Shane
Rucker, 33, Bonners Ferry, who is facing two
federal charges after allegedly torching St.
Ann's Catholic Church last April, into his
mother's custody. The ruling will allow Rucker
to leave jail on Thursday.
His mother, Sherry Nash, Sandpoint, told the
judge that her son has mental issues,
most likely connected
with his service in the U.S. Marine Corps, and
she gave assurance that her son poses no threat
to the community.
She will be held responsible, the judge said,
should Rucker violate conditions of his release,
including constant GPS monitoring, a no-contact
order with his ex-wife, and no use of alcohol or
drugs. While in his mother's custody, he will
also be required to continue regular mental
health counseling and report regularly with his
probation officer.
Nash told the judge that Rucker moved into her
home last August after asking for her help, and
said that, unlike earlier attempts to get him
into treatment, he now understands that he needs
help. She said that this time, unlike at times
in the past, he has been cooperative with mental
health counselors, taking his medications as
prescribed and has shown improvement.
The prosecution agreed to the terms and agreed
that Rucker poses no threat to the community.
Rucker is scheduled to go on trial in federal
court on federal charges of destruction of
religious property and using a fire to damage or
destroy religious property on Monday, March 20.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20
years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on
each count.
He is also scheduled to appear for trial in
District Court May 9 before Judge Barbara
Buchanan on a felony charge of possession of a
controlled substance resulting from an October
6, 2015 arrest. |
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