By Staff
CASSOPOLIS -- In the first aggravated stalking jury trial in Cass County history, a 12-person jury came back Wednesday evening with a verdict of guilty as charged against Goshen, Ind., native Randall Leinbach, 42.
Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz said he is "very pleased" with the outcome.
The jury panel returned its verdict around 6 p.m. June 2. Jurors heard two days of testimony from the victim, her neighbors, her employers, her children and the defendant, among others.
The case was tried in Circuit Judge Michael E. Dodge's courtroom.
Evidence indicated Leinbach engaged in a campaign of intimidation of his ex-girlfriend for months, including:
The case was investigated by the Cass County Sheriff's Office and tried by Chief Assistant Prosecutor Jason Ronning. Fitz said, "A strong community stance against domestic crimes, stalking and the like has proven time and again to reduce violence in the home."
Aggravated stalking carries a penalty of up to five years in prison and-or a fine of up to $10,000. Leinbach's penalty increases to a potential of seven and a half years due to his habitual offender status.
Sentencing is scheduled for Friday, July 16.