Neighbors voice concerns over suspect in bomb plot
Defense lawyer hopes to obtain alternative detention for his client
A neighborhood representative attended a federal detention hearing Tuesday, hoping to voice safety concerns about a Houston man charged with plotting to bomb a Confederate statue being released to his home while awaiting trial.
While Catherine Dickerson did not get a chance to speak before the judge, she got some comfort from Andrew Schneck’s defense lawyer in the hallway afterward, who explained during an informal conversation that he was taking the neighbors concerns into consideration.
Dickerson, speaking for her sister and brother-in-law who live across the street from the Schneck family with their special needs 19-year-old son, were troubled by Schneck’s 2014 conviction for storing explosives at another of his parents’ properties. They were rattled by the thought that potent chemicals may still be on his parents’ property and fearful about Schneck having access to them.
Defense attorney Philip Hilder listened to Dickerson’s questions and concerns, and, without revealing his plans, made it clear she had nothing to worry about.
“The neighborhood is perfectly safe now,” Hilder said. “I do respect your concerns. We’re studying alternatives.”
Hidler indicated that he would be pushing for his client to await trial under conditions other than traditional detention at a federal facility, but he hinted that the wary neighbors would likely be comfortable with the arrangement.
Schneck’s arrest on allegations he intended to bomb the statue of Maj. Richard Dowling in Hermann Park coincided with a series of civil rights protests around the country this summer aimed at removing statues of Confederate officials from civic spaces.
During the hearing, Hilder asked U.S. Magistrate Judge Mary Milloy for a second postponement of Schneck’s detention hearing, now set for Oct. 12, at which time he said he’d be ready to discuss pretrial detention.
Schneck, 25, made a brief court appearance, standing shackled and handcuffed before the microphone and told the judge he agreed to another postponement.
After that exchange, a federal prosecutor asked Milloy whether — in spite of the postponement — a homeowner representative could speak, since she’d come to court to express her concerns about Schneck. The court moved on to other matters on the docket.
Out in the hallway after the hearing, Dickerson said Hilder’s assurances about Schneck made her feel better.
“I want him to go where he needs to go to heal,” she said.
Dickerson said families in the immediate neighborhood of the Schneck residence include doctors, a lawyer and an FBI agent. Dickerson’s sister, who is a doctor, couldn’t make it to court Tuesday to speak before the judge.