A 23-year-old Hutchinson man who was just sentenced to 7-years for burglary in Barton County now wants to represent himself in a similar case here in Reno County.
Lee Dean is charged with burglary, felony theft and criminal damage to property involving a church in Pretty Prairie.
He’s alleged to have broken into the First Mennonite Church located at 1718 West Pretty Prairie Road and then stealing a television, electronic items and other miscellaneous property from the church. He’s also accused of damaging doors and windows at the church.
He appeared Tuesday morning via-video from the Reno County Jail where he told the judge he wanted to waive his right to a lawyer saying “I want to plead to it and get sent to prison.” Magistrate Judge Randy McEwen then explained the rights he would be giving up, as well as potential consequences of representing himself. Dean seemed annoyed at that saying under his breath, “I don’t care.”
Judge McEwen granted his request for representing himself and sent the case to Judge Joe McCarville where it will be on a waiver-status docket next week. He could then enter a plea at that time.