Adults charged in student's death case go to court

Friday, January 18, 2008
SMITH

Two of the three adults charged in connection with the death of a Greencastle High School senior made appearances at the Putnam County courthouse Thursday.

Scottie Hoover, 23, Greencastle, appeared in Putnam County Circuit Court Thursday morning and entered an initial plea of not guilty to a class A felony, dealing in a controlled substance (Oxymorphone) to a child under the age of 18, a class B felony of dealing in a controlled substance (Xanax) to a child under the age of 18, and a class C felony, contributing to the delinquency of a minor causing the death of 17-year-old Dietrich Jackson.

Judge Matthew Headley stated that Hoover is facing as much as 78 years in prison if convicted of all charges, though Hoover's attorney, Denny Bridges said he hopes to get that number reduced as Hoover has no previous criminal record. Bridges said it was too early to discuss any possible plea agreements.

"It's a bad situation for everyone concerned," Bridges said. "It's just a sad situation."

Hoover's bail was set at $50,000 cash and he currently remains in the custody of the Putnam County Sheriff. A pre-trial conference for Hoover has been set for March 13.

Eric Mahrenholz, 50, Greencastle, who law enforcement allege threw a party supplying alcohol to teenagers the night of Jackson's death, appeared before the Putnam County Superior Court at 2 p.m. Thursday. Mahrenholz entered an initial plea of not guilty to a class A misdemeanor, maintaining a common nuisance, and class C misdemeanor, contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Mahrenholz declined the assignment of a public defender, indicating he would retain his own legal council. Bail for Mahrenholz was set at $5,000 cash or surety, and a June 23 trial date was set.

Two other people have also been charged in connection with Jackson's death.

Steven M. Smith, 43, Greencastle, was arrested Wednesday, but was taken to Putnam County Hospital for treatment of minor injuries and held overnight for observation. He was booked into the Putnam County Jail at around 8 p.m., Thursday, and has yet to appear before a Putnam County court. Smith has been charged with dealing in a controlled substance (Oxymorphone) a class B felony. A probable cause affidavit alleges that Smith sold pills to Hoover in exchange for a stereo.

A 17-year-old Greencastle High School student was also arrested Wednesday evening and taken to the Delaware County Juvenile Detention Center.

Dietrich Jackson, 17, was found dead on Dec. 15, 2007 after attending a party the night before. A toxicology report indicated that the cause of death was pharmacological intoxication.

Mahrenholz posted bond and was released from jail Thursday afternoon.

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  • As stated in my previous blog response (yesterday) I knew one or all of them would be released! I hope everyone in the court system can sleep at night. Justice for the families once again DENIED. Maybe if we would set their bonds at a high rate, they wouldn't be back in their nice cozy, warm beds at night. How do you think the families of this young man sleep at night? I'm sure it's pretty tough for them. If the people in this county do not come out and vote for the prosecutor and judge next time, there's something wrong. Please re-think who is in charge of our judicial system.

    -- Posted by cty-govt-a-muck on Fri, Jan 18, 2008, at 7:05 AM
  • Dear cty-govt-a-muck:

    Where do you see in that article that anyone got released? You do not think a $50,000.00 bond is sufficient? The other man is only charged with a misdemeanor and $5,000.00 is a high bond for a misdemeanor. The juvenile is detained (which means no bond) and the other man has not appreared before the Court yet. So, how do you blame the judge for anything?

    I will not waste any time on the obvious that they are all presumed innocent except in your mind. Forget bail and trials, just kill them now.

    -- Posted by reckman on Fri, Jan 18, 2008, at 8:59 AM
  • I AGREE WITH YOU ON THIS. (CTY-GOVT-A-MUCK) BECAUSE YOU KNOW WHAT WE (DIETRICH'S FAMILY) ARE HURTING AND WE ARE TRYING ARE BEST TO SLEEP AT NIGHT. I PERSONALLY WONT BE AT PEACE UNTIL THE "GROUP" IS BEHIND BARS FOR ALONG TIME. I BELIEVE IN THE JUSTICE SYSTEM AND I PRAY THAT JUSTICE WILL BE SERVERED. WHEN YOUR WRONG YOUR WRONG! AND WHAT THEY DID WAS WRONG AND THEY NEED TO PAY. THEY SHOULDNT HAVE ANY TYPE OF BOND. THE PROBLEM IS THEY LET HIM DIE. THATS THE WHOLE POINT..THEY LET HIM DIE.

    -- Posted by K LOVE on Fri, Jan 18, 2008, at 9:10 AM
  • I'm not from this community I simply know some of the family, thus I have been following the articles. I remain completely confused about how or why is a 50 year old associated with any parties involving teenagers?!!! And certainly not the person throwing the party and providing alcohol!!! I'm astounded! Was this party his kids'party?

    -- Posted by seekingtruth on Fri, Jan 18, 2008, at 10:59 AM
  • Has anyone asked why Mr. Smith had a prescription for so many more painkillers than he needed for his ailment. I mean come on we need to contol these so-called controlled substances a little better don't we.Let's quit worrying about how much bail and start worrying about the real problem doctors who prescribe too much medication.

    -- Posted by T.C. FATHER OF 2 on Fri, Jan 18, 2008, at 12:01 PM
  • I do know a few of the players in this scenario--and this is absolutely a tragedy!!And it's obvious that the adults in this are going to pay a very big price!!But what about the person who took the alcohol and drugs??He was almost 18 years of age and no one held his mouth open and shoved these things down his throat!!!and if his being only 17 is such an issue in regards to his own responsibility in this matter--then where were the parents &/or guardians of this young man--they obviously did not know where he was!!And if you say he was too old for his parents/guardians to be @ his side @ all times --then I think someone should point out the responsibility that this young man had in taking his own life..again I mean no disrespect to this family..but it is wrong to talk as if this young man has no responsiblity in this tragedy!!!Again no one held him down and put this stuff in his body!!He did these things of his own accord(and he is not mentally unable to make the right decisions of his own accord!!)

    -- Posted by kimap on Fri, Jan 18, 2008, at 1:09 PM
  • T.C. FATHER OF 2...If I am thinking of the right person and not wrong, Mr. Smith has a debilitating disorder (I am thinking maybe M.S. or M.D.)that makes it difficult for him to walk...thus his reasoning for having the drugs ...why he is not using them for his own health benefits and instead selling them to benefit financially...who knows, but SHAME ON HIM!

    seekingtruth...unfortunately, it has become all too common for 50 year olds (and other aged so-called adults) to host these parties...I think that these people have not even grown up themselves and perhaps have self-esteem problems...this makes them feel like a "Big-shot" or like they have friends...a shame, but true.

    K LOVE...I am VERY sorry for your loss...I cannot say "I know how you feel" as some will do...I have never had to suffer through such a loss and pray I never will. Please know that there are many people praying for you family right now and I hope justice will be served...for your family's peace. I will keep you in my prayers...stay strong.

    -- Posted by mkycrzy1971 on Fri, Jan 18, 2008, at 1:39 PM
  • There are several of these so-called adults in the county who need to be rounded up for this. The kids all know who they are and they all know right where to go for a "good time". You'd be amazed if you went to myspace and searched for students in the area schools -- they brag and post pictures of themselves. Right there for all to see -- young teens with beer bottles in their hands posing with adults. It's unbelievable!

    -- Posted by MotherOfTwo on Fri, Jan 18, 2008, at 2:36 PM
  • I believe I read where the 50 year old S.O.B. got out (was released)Read the last sentence of the article. The old creep DID GET OUT! I don't care if he took the pills or not. And how does everyone really know that he took them of his own accord? Doesn't matter, they had ample time and opportunity to get this young man to the hospital. Plain and simple. There is no arguing to that statement. I believe 50,000.00 is not high enough for anyone that committed such a hideous crime and yes it is a crime, no matter how you look at it. They get out, they do it again. Until you have dealt with these two (Marehnolz and Hoover) you can't respond. I have dealt with both of them! I saw how the old jack.... acted around kids. I DO KNOW!

    -- Posted by cty-govt-a-muck on Fri, Jan 18, 2008, at 3:03 PM
  • It is all so very sad.. I belive it takes a community to raise these Children.. And if you listen hard enough you will probably hear these So called friends talking about having a party in honor of this Jackson kids death.. I was at the funeral of the Vance child and heard several of the children at the funeral saying they were going to have a party in his honor. i was shocked to learn about what goes on at a pharm party.. I had no Idea what a pharm party was.. at first thinking farm/barn.. out in the country drinking around a bon fire.. I was shocked to learn what it actually was.. and what goes on.. Kids think that nothing can happen to them.

    Disapline? My child actually said to me if i touched him i.e. spank him that he would call child welfare on me.. it is my opinion that spanking is ok.. but to each their own.. Children need to know there is consequenses for their actions... Not that because they are children they aren't reasponsable for their actions.. why wasn't random drug testing at the school done? It makes me wonder because a child is good at sports do heads turn the other way for that child, softer penalties for that child? I have no answers for this only more questions.. I just know it is very sad.. and i'm praying for all involved.

    -- Posted by MotherOf2 on Fri, Jan 18, 2008, at 3:22 PM
  • For one "Reckman," Mr. Marhenholz was released Thursday on bond. Please read the entire article before making any comments, thanks. $50,000 is not enough, and neither was that $5,000 bond. No bond should have been set. (My opinion.) Kimap... come on now, get a clue? Are your children at your side 24/7? I highly doubt it. No one has said Dietrich was forced to take these pills. For these adults and teenagers to do absolutely nothing, THEY PUT THEIRSELVES IN THIS SITUATION! It is their fault for the ACTIONS they made. Did anybody force them to take him home and put him on his grandmothers couch?!? Did anyone force Scott Hoover to crush the pills for Dietrich to "sniff?!?" No, therefore they did this on their own! Think about things before you go and make any assumptions.

    -- Posted by TamekaLynn on Fri, Jan 18, 2008, at 3:38 PM
  • As someone who knows Mr. Mahrenholz REALLY well, I can say that a 5K bail was excessive for a misdomeanor bond. As well, Mr. Mahrenholz is a a long time resident with 2 successful GHS grads. Were it not for Mr. Mahrenholz, his kids would not be the great persons they are who give back SOOOO much to to their friends, loved ones and the community in such small ways that makes a big difference. Sure he's a tough old **** if you know him, but I have never convinced myself of any reason for him not be one. Did he throw a party? No. Did he purchase alchohol for the party? No. Did he allow the party to occur? Yes, unfortunately. It was to be a private party for college age ex GHS grads, but surely word got around. Don't believe me? I happen to know more than the police seem to. They say they have been investigating this endlessly and intensely for 30 days--then why did they not know basic information about Mahrenholz that I had to answer for them one day when I stopped by the house--the day he was arrested (a few days ago) to see how my FRIEND was doing. If they had 30 days of intense stuff going on, why didn't they know where he worked and when he would be home, whose vehicle was whose in the drive--come on, this screams of fingerpointing haste to solve the case and get the hell out of dodge on the state police part. According to numerous although jouvenile sources who would not testify to save their own skin, Dietrich was at the Mahrenholz house for 15 minutes tops and then left. So ask this--how much alchohol did wtinesses say he drank at the residence of Mahrenholz? How long was he there? How much was in his bloodstream at the time of death? Numerous people say he arrived at Mahrenholz's WITH his own alchohol or had been drinking already, I cannot quite remember that statement well enough. So did he throw a party for people he knew and trusted? No. He allowe someone else to do it at his residence. These are the facts. The story for the paper and media is better when those facts are left out. I saw his face (on video, not the mug shot they showed) on the news and not Smith or Hoover while they exited the car. Why Mahrenholz? The gut did not physically give the kid a beer...I heard from two sources underage D.J. never entered the home. I'll tell you what it's about for Mahrenholz, b/c I just happened to be there when the cops came...I stopped by, Mahrenholz was not home. as I leave the door from knocking two state cars pull up and question me of his location...'he's at work", etc. state officer said he just had a few followup questions and had apparentlky been there earlier that day looking for him--on a work day! good research thus far, huh? the guy left me a number to give to Mahrenholz to call--i leave it for Mahrenholz. He calls and again the cop says its about follow up. they come, he answers the door, and the say--"i lied toi you, I have here a warrant for your arrest in connection with, bla bla." so they not onl;y cannot conduct an investigation, they lie too. role models? never. they hurried him to the jail and the media got him on tape getting out of the car--just in time for the evening news. it was a set up. a stage act. there is a mother and family out there who are outraged, and I understand, I too was upset about it but cannot certainly feel that sort of loss as does the family. I fear the staged set up was a way to set an example for students and parents around central indiana usign Mahrenholz as a guinea pig. That's defanmation and slander. They falsely identify Mahrenholz as contributing to D.J.'s death on TV. It's an outrage!!! I undertand trying to get a message across to people, but let us not in haste assume this man is guilty. a lot of your comments have been very hurtful to me as a friend of the guy, let alone the guy who works 50 hours a week to put one child through college and raise a healthy household. did he throw a party? No. We all should know who really threw that party at the Mahrenholz's...it wasn't the FATHER. However, Mahrenholz allowed the party to happen, and that's where he's guilty. By the end of his case, I'd hate to tell some of you witch burners, he will be found guilty of having underrage drinking at his residence but will not be connected to the death of D.J. The number one suspects in this case are the friends who failed to take him to the hospital, Hoover and D.J. himself.

    -- Posted by bluegrass on Fri, Jan 18, 2008, at 4:17 PM
  • Hang in there Eric

    your ol` buddy in foxridge

    -- Posted by Mad Bovine on Fri, Jan 18, 2008, at 5:23 PM
  • I gotta ? for yall? how come the minor that was arrested and suppose to be up in Muncie is back at school already?? and he was arrested on school property for having drugs on him, so why hasnt he been expelled? Why is it that he is back at school ,playin it cool ,actin like he dosent care and its all a big joke 2 him? just wondering why earlier this year 2 kids where expelled for havin drugs on school property,but yet this minor in this case wasnt . he was at school playin it cool...wats that about

    -- Posted by GHS STUDENT on Fri, Jan 18, 2008, at 5:48 PM
  • Bluegrass.... what the .........was your story about. English please and to the point. It didn't make much sense at all.

    -- Posted by cty-govt-a-muck on Fri, Jan 18, 2008, at 8:17 PM
  • Bluegrass-2 words for you: Jack Trudeau. Duh. LEO's bust adults all the time for this in Boone County. He IS responsible for the underage drinking in his home. Putnam County law enforcement? Woefully behind the times.

    -- Posted by gocubs on Sat, Jan 19, 2008, at 1:38 PM
  • I don't personally know any of the people involved in this story but would like to make an objective observation. When I was in high school there were several classmates that consumed alcohol, smoked pot, etc. I don't believe that has changed in the past 15 years that I have been out of high school. It's not just isolated to Greencastle, it goes on in every high school in America. I'm not saying that the individuals in this case shouldn't be punished, but I believe that the community continues to add unneccesary "fuel to the fire."

    There have been times in high school and college that I have had friends that have passed out from drinking too much. Myself or other friends didn't rush the to the hospital. It's just not something kids that age do.

    Hoover and Jackson were probably good friends. The intention of Hoover selling the Rx drugs to Jackson was not to kill him. Most of these blogs seem to have an edge to them that makes Hoover sound like he is a MONSTER. When in fact it was a poor decision that Hoover made by selling illegal medication, but he didn't make Jackson injest those pills either.

    God bless the Jackson family.

    -- Posted by ConcernedCitizen765 on Sun, Jan 20, 2008, at 11:42 AM
  • Bluegrass... the MAN running for office. It's funny that your mentioning knowing information that the state police officers don't! How do you know all this secretive information?!? Is it maybe b/c YOUR SON was there the entire time? Did he fill you in. Is that why you were shoveling snow at Dietrichs grandmothers house?

    Yeah Greencastle... This is just who we need running for OUR city council! The shame.

    -- Posted by TamekaLynn on Mon, Jan 21, 2008, at 9:00 PM
  • To GHS STUDENT

    If drugs were found on the student period don't you think he would has been expelled? Obviously your source of info was wrong, or could it be that you are a family member feeling guilty about not telling his grandmother that he had a drug problem. What about the 2 boys that spent the night with Dietrich, why are you not ******** about them? Could it be because they are family or just not telling the truth?

    It's sad that Dietrich lost his life but you need to think about what Dietrich would say to what is happening now?

    -- Posted by pezzed-off on Mon, Jan 21, 2008, at 9:21 PM
  • i just wondered if Sheriff Frisbee showed up in court with his friends ?I am sure they could have used his support.

    -- Posted by jimsgirl on Tue, Jan 22, 2008, at 6:45 PM
  • "Pezzed off" are you serious? 1st of all i think that everybody wants anyone that was involved arrested!! You know what kills me is that everybody comes on here saying all kinds of BS but when it comes down to it wouldn't even have the balls to say NONE of what you type with your alias names in person or even over the phone. and as far as what D would think? the main one that YOU are taking up for was with him the entire time!! Dietrich was only 17 and he was never given a 2nd chance or hell a chance for anything but if he would've been given a 2nd chance a guarantee he would never even so much as speak to any of them low life, selfish ignorant cowards again! Please stop acting like they were really his friends because they were not!!I don't even know who GHS Student is but or if they are a family member or not but you re a family member of the accused, aren't you? You should probably be worried about the people around you and their drug problems! Shouldn't you?

    -- Posted by sunshinenap on Wed, Jan 23, 2008, at 3:20 PM
  • "mkycrazy197", thanks for the response.

    -- Posted by seekingtruth on Thu, Jan 24, 2008, at 10:18 AM
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