Man sentenced to 18 months in jail for assaulting Marine

by Caitlin Francke SUN STAFF The Baltimore Sun

July 17, 1996 Page(s): 4B
Edition: HOWARD SUN
Section: METRO
Length: 210 words
Index Terms:
ELLICOTT CITY
ELKRIDGE

Record Number: BSUN461107

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Ellicott City resident Robert Wheeler will spend 18 months in the Howard County Detention Center for assaulting a 19-year-old man at a friend's house last year, a Howard County Circuit Court judge has ruled.

Judge Diane Leasure sentenced Wheeler yesterday to three years in prison and suspended all but 18 months, said Assistant State's Attorney Michael Weal.
 

"I think it is a very good sentence," Weal said.

Wheeler, 19, cracked Marine Lance Cpl. Jason Brook's jaw and broke his nose while both were visiting a friend's Ellicott City house in September 1995, according to court testimony. The two were involved in a long-running dispute, the defense said.

Wheeler was convicted of assault and battery but acquitted of the more serious assault with intent to maim charge in the April trial.

Richard Kinlein, Wheeler's attorney, said he is asking to have the sentence reduced.

"I don't think it is an appropriate sentence, and I will argue that in court," he said.

Pub Date: 7/17/96

Copyright 1996 The Baltimore Sun Company