Ballfield vandalism suspects enter innocent pleas
Trio of Clarkston teens face felony charges in connection with damage to athletic fields in Asotin County
ASOTIN - Three Clarkston juveniles charged with felonies for allegedly damaging several athletic fields entered innocent pleas this week in Asotin County Superior Court.
Jesse T. Baird, 14, Cody W. Cooper, 15, and Bronson R. Flagg, 14, will next appear in court Dec. 18. Each is charged with three class B felony counts of malicious mischief and second-degree taking a motor vehicle without permission.
According to court documents, the trio of teens allegedly took a parent's vehicle without permission last week and went on a rolling vandalism spree, driving across muddy fields at Lincoln Middle School, Highland Elementary School and the Field of Dreams in the Clarkston Heights. All of the ballfields are located in Asotin County.
The alleged crimes are felonies because the damage exceeds $5,000 and service was interrupted at schools. Tire tracks were found at the fields, along with deep gouges in the sod.
During interviews with police, the boys reportedly admitted they were involved in the malicious mischief incidents, according to court documents, and mud and grass was found on the vehicle in question.
A safe was reported stolen from the clubhouse at the Field of Dreams, but the boys denied being involved and were not charged with anything related to the reported theft.
Public defenders were appointed to represent the boys during their arraignments Monday in Judge Scott D. Gallina's courtroom. Clarkston attorney Brooke Burns is representing Baird; Jane Richards of Asotin is representing Cooper; and Robert Van Idour, an Asotin County public defender, was appointed to represent Flagg. The juveniles all have been released to their parents.
The volunteer-built Prior Field, at 2700 Sixth Ave., sustained extensive damage to sod and sprinkler heads. Significant repairs will be necessary if the field is to be ready for spring baseball. Large gouges were made in the Field of Dreams area by the truck's tread, but two other adjacent fields were undamaged as they are surrounded by fencing and not accessible by vehicle.
---
Sandaine may be contacted at kerris@lmtribune.com or (208) 848-2264. Follow her on Twitter @newsfromkerri.
