John Schultz IV sentenced for planning school shooting

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FULTON COUNTY, Ind. -- The teen who was accused of planning a Columbine-style mass shooting at a local school was sentenced on one count of conspiracy to commit murder.

John Schultz IV was sentenced to 19 years and 6 months in prison. He has already served 566 days in jail and the remaining portion of the sentence was suspended.

He will also serve 3 years probation.

While on probation, he will not be allowed to consume alcohol or drugs. He cannot have any contact with students at either Rochester or Caston or Donald Robin Jr, who was also charged in the case.

Schultz must earn his GED within the first 18 months of his probation and perform 90 hours of community service.

“He’s got an opportunity to turn things around, but he’s also got a lot hanging over his head if he doesn’t fly straight over the next three years,” said Mike Marrs, the Fulton County prosecutor.

Schultz accepted a plea agreement before jurors completed deliberations at his trial last month. His first trial ended in a mistrial because the jury could not come to an agreement.

Schultz’s legal team is hopeful these programs and conditions will help him in the long run.

“It means a new start. This kid gets a second chance at life, he gets to go past the mental health and the drug problems he’s faced, past the non-supervision and gets the help that he needs,” said Joseph Bauer, Schultz’s attorney.

As part of the plea agreement, Schultz pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder does not result in death and the other charges, including a second count of conspiracy to commit murder, one count of intimidation and three possession charges were all dismissed.

Robin was sentenced to 17 years in prison with 9 years suspended in March 2021. He will serve three years probation once released.

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