CINCINNATI (WXIX) – The man accused of vandalizing Vice President JD Vance’s Cincinnati home and vehicle did so because of “mental health issues,” his lawyer claims.
William DeFoor, 26, appeared in court Tuesday, where his lawyer, Paul Laufman, told the judge his client’s mental health was a big factor in what happened Monday at the vice president’s house.
“Mental health, obviously, is a driving factor in this case,” Laufman argued. “He was doing well, to my understanding. Compliant to all orders of that court until these unfortunate events, which I think it’s safe to say were largely driven by mental health issues.”
The court orders referenced by Laufman were the two years of mental health treatment DeFoor was ordered to receive following his April arrest and subsequent guilty plea for vandalism, according to Hamilton County Court records.
William DeFoor, 26, appeared in court, where a judge set his bond at $11,000 on Tuesday.(wxix)
DeFoor is accused of running up to Vance’s house, located on William Howard Taft Drive, and breaking four windows with a hammer, according to an arrest report. He also caused damage to the vice president’s vehicle and tried breaking the driver-side window of an unmarked federal law enforcement vehicle, the Department of Justice says.
Vice President Vance and his family were not in Ohio when the vandalism occurred.
I appreciate everyone’s well wishes about the attack at our home. As far as I can tell, a crazy person tried to break in by hammering the windows. I’m grateful to the secret service and the Cincinnati police for responding quickly.
We weren’t even home as we had returned already to DC.
One request to the media: we try to protect our kids as much as possible from the realities of this life of public service. In that light, I am skeptical of the news value of plastering images of our home with holes in the windows.
On Tuesday, the judge set DeFoor’s bond at $11,000 for four non-federal charges:
Obstructing official business (second-degree misdemeanor)Criminal damaging or endangering (second-degree misdemeanor)Criminal trespass (fourth-degree misdemeanor)Vandalism (fifth-degree felony)
The 26-year-old also faces federal charges brought forth by U.S. District Judge Dominick Gerace:
Damaging government propertyEngaging in physical violence against any person or property in a restricted building or groundsAssaulting, resisting or impeding federal officers
Following his appearance in a Hamilton County court, DeFoor appeared in federal court, where no cameras are allowed.
He walked into the courtroom, shackled at the waist and ankles, and was seen turning around and smiling at someone behind him.
DeFoor’s mother, Catherine DeFoor, spoke after the court session.
“Mental illness is a terrible thing,” the mother said. “It is a struggle which can take over the life of a beautiful person. Unfortunately, for our child, it has taken over his life in a way that we never could have imagined.”
Catherine DeFoor said growing up, her son was a scholar and straight-A student who received a full college scholarship to study music.
William DeFoor, 26, is accused of breaking the windows of Vice President JD Vance’s home and causing damage to his vehicle, an arrest report says.(Hamilton County Justice Center)
DeFoor’s lawyer did say he doesn’t know if his client even knew he was at Vance’s home early Monday.
“I have no idea,” Laufman said. “[It] could have just as easily been the blow-up display at a car lot. I don’t know, and there’s significant mental health issues that drew his attention to this house.”
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When DeFoor returns to federal court at 1:30 p.m. Friday, the judge could do one of three things:
Release him on his own recognizanceRelease him under certain conditionsDetain him until his trial.
If he is found guilty on the three federal charges, DeFoor could spend up to 40 years in a federal prison.
That’s on top of any sentence he might receive in Hamilton County.
Previous Vandalism Charges
This is not DeFoor’s first time facing criminal charges.
In April, he pleaded guilty to two counts of vandalism after he caused more than $2,000 worth of damage to a Hyde Park interior design company, court documents say.
DeFoor was sentenced to treatment at a mental health facility for two years and was required to pay $5,550 in restitution.
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