The parents of the man accused of breaking windows at Vice President JD Vance's Cincinnati home say the incident is the result of their son's mental illness.
William DeFoor, 26, of Hyde Park, faces state charges of vandalism, criminal damaging, obstructing official business and criminal trespass for using a hammer to break 14 panes of glass in three historic windows at Vance's East Walnut Hills home. The Vances were not home at the time, but had been at the house recently.
DeFoor also faces several federal charges that could result in up to 40 years in prison and $750,000 in fines.
After DeFoor's arraignment on the latter charges, his parents spoke outside the federal courthouse Downtown. His mother Catherine DeFoor said her son is a gifted writer and musician who has struggled with profound mental health issues.
"Mental illness is a terrible thing," she said. "It is a struggle which can take over the life of a beautiful person and the people who love and support them. Unfortunately for our child it has taken over his life in a way that we could never have imagined."
DeFoor was arraigned on the state charges Tuesday morning. Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge Janaya Trotter Bratton set DeFoor's bonds at $11,000, citing his lack of previous convictions and the fact that the charges against him are misdemeanors and low-level felonies.
Hamilton County Court records show DeFoor has had previous incidents involving trespassing and vandalism. One 2023 case in which he was accused of trespassing at UC Health's psychiatric center ended when he was found not competent to stand trial. Another incident in which DeFoor was accused of breaking a window at a Hyde Park business ended up in the court's mental health docket, where he was ordered to undergo mental health treatment and take medication.
Attorney Paul Laufman told Bratton this incident stems from DeFoor's mental health issues.
"I just don't think there's anything political going on here," he said. "This is purely a mental health issue."
Hamilton County prosecutors argued for a high bond, pointing out DeFoor was able to allegedly carry out the vandalism of Vance's home even though he was under supervision for the 2024 case.
"We do believe that mental health could be a factor here," assistant prosecuting attorney Connor Wood said. "We have concerns that the defendant is under supervision with felony mental health court for a case that has similar facts."
DeFoor also faces federal charges, including damaging government property and engaging in physical violence against any person or property in a restricted building or grounds. Each of those carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison. DeFoor also faces a charge of assaulting, resisting or impeding federal officers. That carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
DeFoor visibly shook during his arraignment on those charges Tuesday afternoon. Chief Magistrate Judge Stephanie K. Bowman ordered him detained by federal marshals until a detention hearing Jan. 9. at the federal courthouse.
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