Prosecutor Comments On Conley Plea Change

The man accused of shooting a Zanesville Police Officer and his canine partner changed his plea to guilty Tuesday.

 He originally pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.

Dominick Conley was facing 12 charges in connection with the shooting of Officer Mike Schiele and his police dog, Bosco.It happened in August of 2009.

Muskingum County Prosecutor Mike Haddox says the deal to change Conley’s plea was made recently.

Conley faced charges including felonious assault on a peace officer, assault on a police dog, kidnapping, abduction, aggravated burglary and tampering with evidence.

Haddox says Conley’s attorney requested last week that his client be brought to Muskingum County to talk about the case.

Haddox said if there is a plea change being considered – now would be the time to do it – not in the 11th hour. Haddox says 3 of the counts against Conley that involved his mother – including kidnapping – were dropped after family decided against pursuing charges. Others were merged.

Haddox says initially Conley was facing 47 and a half years in prison if convicted – but now all sides agreed –including officer Schiele – to a 25 year sentence.

Judge Mark Fleegle continued Conley’s bonds at $2,000,000 and ordered a pre-sentence investigation.

WHIZ News contacted Schiele for his reaction to Tuesday’s developments and he declined comment.