Schweitzer gets 180 days
for ’92 sexual offenseThe former Ireland murder
By Rod Thompson
suspect pleads no contest
Star-BulletinHILO -- Shawn Schweitzer, formerly a suspect in the 1991 murder of Big Island visitor Dana Ireland, was sentenced to 180 days in jail today for an unrelated sexual offense in 1992.
Schweitzer pleaded no contest to fourth degree sexual assault for acts with a girl who was 15 at the time. Schweitzer, 23, was 16 at the time.
A joint prosecution and defense statement last month said the girl was "inappropriately touched." Judge Greg Nakamura gave Schweitzer credit for 169 days already served.
Court documents indicate the girl told police three different stories, including that she acted voluntarily.She broke down in a grand jury proceeding, and her sister's testimony was used.
Outside the courtroom today, Schweitzer's father, Jerry, said, "It was just two teen-agers kissing and fondling."
He said the prosecution brought charges to make his son look like a bad kid, part of a continuing effort to get Shawn Schweitzer to make statements about his brother, Albert Ian Schweitzer, and about Frank Pauline Jr., both suspected in Ireland's death.
Charges against the Schweitzers were dropped last year.
