GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – A Green Bay father was in court on Thursday as he faces charges of harboring/aiding a felon and resisting an officer.
48-year-old David Vanderleest was in court on accusations that he lied to officials with the Green Bay Police Department to protect his son, James Vanderleest, who is charged with first-degree reckless homicide concerning two-year-old Leo Escalante’s death.
The following charges have officially been filed against David:
- Harboring or Aiding a Felon
- Class G Felony – Possible punishment includes up to $25,000 in fines and/or 10 years in prison
- Obstructing an Officer
- Class A Misdemeanor – Possible punishment includes up to $10,000 in fines and/or up to nine months in prison
In Davids’ criminal complaint, acquired by Local 5, police say he was interviewed by local officers when he claimed to be the only one at home when Escalante had to be airlifted to a hospital, where he died from injuries on June 23.
The interview reportedly continued, and David began complaining about the ‘system’ and admitted to lying to the police ‘to protect his son.’
According to the complaint, David said to charge him with contempt, and that he didn’t ‘give a (expletive)’ as he continued to complain, claiming that local courts are violating people’s right to a speedy trial.
David also mentioned in an interview that James had a lot of emotional problems, and that James had finally eaten for the first time in several days. The two were arrested at a cabin in Florence County after a search warrant.
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David is set for an additional hearing on July 22 at 2 p.m.
Local 5 will provide updates as needed.
