Caleb Steven Schanz, 22, of Festus, a prior offender, was sentenced to 22 years in prison following felony burglary and drug charges and a probation violation, according to court documents.
Schanz was arrested in January 2014 after he admitted to kicking in the front door of a home in the 900 block of Wiggins Drive in Pevely and stealing a gun. Schanz told authorities he sold the gun to a friend but would not identify who the friend was. Schanz also said the burglary was gang related, the probable-cause statement said.
In September 2014, Schanz was arrested on an outstanding warrant, and Pevely Police found him with 11 capsules containing a white, powdery residue that turned out to be heroin, the report said.
Schanz pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree burglary and one count of possession of a controlled substance, and in April 2016, he was sentenced to 15 years for the burglary charge and seven years for the drug charge, but the sentences were suspended and he got five years’ probation, court records indicate.
However, he violated the probation, and on March 5, Jefferson County Div. 6 Circuit Judge Troy A. Cardona executed the 15-year and seven-year terms to be served consecutively, for a total of 22 years. Schanz may be released early if he successfully completes a 24-month treatment program, court records show.
Jefferson County assistant prosecuting attorney Jacob T. Costello handled the cases.
Schanz previously served time in prison for felony tampering with a motor vehicle stemming from a February 2014 incident in Jefferson County; felony receiving stolen property and felony unlawful use of a weapon tied to a November 2013 incident in Jefferson County; and felony burglary connected to a September 2013 incident in Jefferson County.
Schanz currently is in the Eastern Reception and Diagnostic and Correctional Center in Bonne Terre.