By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post
A judge once again has denied a request for a Hays man facing a number of theft charges to be sent to substance abuse treatment. Additional theft charges were filed against the man at the same hearing.
Judge Blake Bittel denied a second request at a hearing on Wednesday filed in Ellis County District Court for Stelieh Jordan Stegmeier, Hays, to be sent to a substance abuse rehab facility in Winfield.
Stegmeier’s lawyer, Olavee Raub, filed a motion earlier this month requesting Stegmeier be allowed to attend an inpatient treatment facility in Winfield — Preferred Family Healthcare – while awaiting trial.
Stegmeier stands accused of a March ATM theft at Cerv’s in Hays, along with other charges.
At the Dec. 1 hearing, Judge Bittel denied the request but said he would reconsider if Raub could present more information about the facility.
During Wednesday’s hearing, Raub said she had talked with the clinical director at the Winfield facility who told Raub she would be in charge of Stegmeier’s program, if he were admitted into the program. She also said they have had patients with similar restrictions in their program before and they could provide progress reviews every two weeks.
At the Dec. 1 hearing, Judge Bittel had said he would like to be able to hold a patient review hearing to keep updated on Stegmeier’s progress in the 28-day program.
Ellis County Assistant Attorney Christopher Lyon called on John Trembley, director of Northwest Kansas Community Corrections at Wednesday’s hearing.
Trembley testified that he had dealt with Stegmeier in the past with the Department of Corrections (DOC). He testified that on two occasions Stegmeier successfully completed what was required of him through DOC. But he said that two other times Stegmeier failed substance abuse treatment.
According to Trembley, Stegmeier was discharged from a program in Wichita in 2010 for non-compliance. Stegmeier also failed another treatment program that same year for continued drug use.
Trembley testified he was confused as to why Stegmeier needed treatment. He said Stegmeier has good family support around him and instead has made a choice to live the lifestyle he does, Trembley testified, calling Stegmeier a “thief.”
Raub argued that Stegmeier relapsed and said he “knows he’s an addict.”
In his opposition to the request for the transfer to the treatment facility, Lyon said they believe Stegmeier is a flight risk and a “danger to the community.”
Judge Bittel denied the motion and said while he believes Stegmeier needs treatment, it is up to Stegmeier to get the treatment when the legal proceedings and any potential time served are completed.
Ellis County also filed two more charges against Stegmeier on Wednesday in District Court. The first is a felony aggravated burglary charge and the second is felony theft.
According to court documents, Stegmeier allegedly broke into a residence in the 3300 block of Hillcrest Drive on either July 16 or July 17 of 2016 and allegedly stole a 2013 Toyota Corolla.
Stegmeier pleaded not guilty to both charges.
A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Jan. 20, 2017.