Huerfano County Sheriff’s Deputy accused of choking girlfriend, arrested for assault

HUERFANO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- 13 Investigates has learned a Huerfano County Sheriff's Deputy is accused of domestic violence crimes, including choking his girlfriend and striking her with a closed fist. 30-year-old Jeffery Schnedler was arrested in August on felony assault and domestic violence charges.

In arrest documents obtained by 13 Investigates, Huerfano County Sheriff's deputies were called to a home in Walsenburg on August 18. A woman called saying her boyfriend was threatening suicide and assaulted her.

When deputies arrived to the scene, Schnedler's girlfriend told them he had drank approximately, "7-8 Corona beers, a full wine bottle, and half of a large bottle of Propper whiskey" before attempting to leave the residence in his car.

Arrest documents say his girlfriend took his keys from him, which prompted him to threaten suicide with his firearm. The girlfriend told deputies, "He was going to kill himself." After wrestling his firearm away from Schnedler, arrest records say an argument ensued.

During the argument, the arrest affidavit says Schnedler choked her and restricted her breathing. The deputies on scene said they could see red marks on her neck consistent with her domestic violence claims.

Deputies said there were signs of a disturbance inside the home, including a closet door on the floor and broken glass on the bed, arrest documents say.

Schnedler was found inside his vehicle near the home moments later. Deputies said he was "in a mental health crisis and was in need of medical help." Schnedler was taken into custody without incident.

Schnedler was released on a $1,500 personal recognizance bond on August 24. A personal recognizance bond is a non-monetary bond, or a "promise" to return to court. He will back in court for a pre-trial conference on December 12.

Huerfano County Sheriff Bruce Newman told 13 Investigates that Schnedler is suspended pending his criminal charges. Newman said Schnedler is human and made a mistake. He said he needed help on that August day and hopes he can get the help he needs.

13 Investigates reached out to Schnedler's attorney Joe Koncilja for comment on the allegations against his client. At the time of publication, we have not yet heard back.