Attorney General's News Release

December 20, 2007

Jury keeps Clay County man committed as sexually violent predator after Nixon opposes his release

Liberty, Mo. — A Clay County jury has determined that Wilbur Schottel of Clay County, previously found to be a sexually violent predator (SVP), must remain committed at the state treatment center in Farmington. Attorney General Jay Nixon opposed Schottel’s release from confinement, and Circuit Judge Larry D. Harman signed the commitment order in Nixon's favor on Wednesday (Dec.19).

Nixon’s office originally sought to have Schottel (DOB — 2/12/32) committed as an SVP due to his 1995 Clay County conviction of one count of sodomy involving a 13-year old girl. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison. After his sentence was reduced to time served in 2000, Nixon’s office filed a petition for civil commitment on March 9, 2000. Schottel was committed as an SVP after a stipulation to the judge on June 15, 2000.

“My office will continue to aggressively pursue the indefinite commitment of those who still pose a threat to the public safety of Missourians,” Nixon said. “While they are committed, these offenders can get the treatment they need.”

Those committed by the court as sexually violent predators have the right to have their cases reviewed to determine if their mental abnormality has so changed that they are not likely to commit acts of sexual violence if released.

Currently, there are 94 sexually violent predators held in civil commitment in Missouri. Sexually violent predator commitments are handled by the Public Safety Division in Nixon's office. Missouri’s sexually violent predator law took effect in January 1999.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to the Press Secretary.

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