Former student Eric Halgrimson was convicted Wednesday on two counts of assaulting a police officer but was cleared on a stalking charge because of what the judge called insufficient evidence. He will be sentenced in six to eight weeks.
Halgrimson, 23, was accused of stalking his former violin teacher, Amy Oshiro, in 1996; however, Oshiro failed to appear in common pleas court despite subpoenas, allegedly because she is still afraid of Halgrimson.
Halgrimson was arrested in October 1996 on charges of stalking, resisting arrest and assault of a police officer.
Halgrimson's lawyer argued that his client was on trial for resisting arrest in conjunction to trespassing on College property. According to Halgrimson, he was not aware he was on the no-trespass list.
The judge found Halgrimson guilty of assault charges for fighting Oberlin police during his 1996 arrest. This felony assault charge was accompanied by a misdemeanor charge of resisting arrest. He faces up to 18 months in jail and a $5,000 fine. He is currently out on $100,000 bond.
During the trial, Halgrimson admitted to having purchased the poisons chloroform and cyanide. According to a report by the Elyria Chronicle Telegram, the prosecution found from Halgrimson's psychiatrist that he may have been planning on using these poisons against people.
The prosecution was noticeably perturbed by the ruling. Prosecutor Jonathan Rosenbaum said, "So I'm able to tell Amy Oshiro I convicted him, but he's out and about?"
Halgrimson has been ordered to stay at least 10 miles from Oshiro and has been placed under the direct responsibility of his father.
Last Sunday students involved in the German program began a first draft of a letter addressing their concerns related to the future of the German department and major.
German House lounge created a forum for discussion as those involved in the German program expressed how to make their current concerns known to the College. "I think the College feels that the German department is doing nothing and sitting in the background, and that there is no interest. I think we need to show there is an interest," said college junior Amber Ries.
"If you wish to support the department make a persuasive argument. Don't become emotional about it because a well-argued and temperate letter is most persuasive," said Professor of German Sidney Rosenfeld.
Students will continue the drafting process this week. A second meeting will be held this Sunday where students will edit and revise the letter to produce a final draft which states their concerns. The letter will be sent to President Nancy Dye, Dean of the College Clayton Koppes and Associate Dean Suzanne Gay.
Copyright © 1999, The Oberlin Review.
Volume 127, Number 16, March 5, 1999
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