Couple found guilty of neglect given probation

Thursday, April 16, 1998 | 11:26 a.m.

Washoe District Judge Steven Elliott sentenced William and Wendy Schultz to between two and eight years on each of three counts, then suspended the sentence for probation.

The couple must continue mental health counseling and must pay more than $100,000 in restitution to various state and county agencies. Their living conditions will be monitored and they will have to cooperate with the Department of Child and Family Services regarding their children.

Deputy District Attorney Kristen Erickson said at the couple's trial last month that their twin 8-year-old boys could not recite the alphabet and were not toilet-trained when they were taken into protective custody in March 1997.

A psychologist said the couple's 11-year-old daughter might be the family's most emotionally mature member. The children remain in protective custody.

Defense attorney Fred Pinkerton criticized the jury's verdict, saying there was ample evidence the couple suffered a mental breakdown.

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