Former Brown Co. Sheriff's Deputy Receives Probation For Felony Battery Convictions – WLDS

A former Brown County Sheriff's Department deputy convicted by a jury last month of two counts of battery was sentenced Thursday afternoon in Adams County Circuit Court.

Cody R. Shaffer, 31, of Lorraine, was convicted of Class 2 aggravated domestic battery by strangulation and Class 3 aggravated battery on a pregnant person. However, the jury found Shaffer not guilty of Class X felony armed violence on May 7.^th.

Shaffer and his attorney, Drew Schnack, appeared before Adams County Circuit Court Judge Mark Vincent on Thursday for sentencing.

Muddy River News reports that Schaffer's former fiancée, Brittany Abercrombie, who was 36 weeks pregnant when Shaffer committed his crimes at their home in January 2023, said in her victim impact statement that Shaffer had lived in his home for the past year “without any remorse, consequences or any punishment.”

Assistant State's Attorney Laura Keck noted in her argument that Shaffer was not considered a good candidate for probation because experts had determined he did not have a substance abuse problem, and Shaffer would not accept responsibility for his actions and would not accept probation services. .

In his opening statement, Shaffer said he regretted everything that happened the night of the assault, which was recorded on Abercrombie's phone and presented as evidence at trial. He also said that if he were to go to prison, he would not be able to provide for his children. Shaffer's attorney, Drew Schnack, went further to argue that Shaffer had no history of domestic violence, calling his criminal record “perfect” and noting that Abercrombie had not sought help for a history of domestic violence. alleged abuse.

Judge Vincent also disagreed with Abercrombie's statements that Shaffer had been subject to severe restrictions and ankle monitoring since his arrest. Vincent said Shaffer's conduct “fortunately” did not result in “serious harm.” Vincent also noted that Shaffer had no criminal history.

Shaffer was sentenced to 2 years of adult probation. He was credited with 517 days in custody and ordered to undergo an individual evaluation for domestic violence, which the Adams County Probation Department will monitor.