A villager who was detained in November during a SWAT standoff at her home has fired her public defender and is demanding her release from jail.
Jana Stafinsky, 53, is still being held without bond following the almost five-hour standoff on November 20 at her home at 2186 Broxton Place in the Village of Ashland.
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Stafinsky claimed in a handwritten court statement that she had fired her attorney from the public defender’s office, citing a failure to respond to phone calls. She has stated that she hopes to employ a “paid” counsel. At the moment, Stafinsky is representing herself as an independent lawyer.
In addition, Stafinsky is demanding her release from incarceration. She has a long list of health issues and says she needs to see an orthopedic foot specialist and get physical therapy. She protested that the jail did not supply her with a wheelchair or mobility scooter. She asserts that her release on her own recognizance is warranted, as she poses no flight risk.
Stafinsky had been involved in a court dispute with a renter who was paying $1,000 per month to live in a room at the house. The renter was abruptly asked to leave and went to court to collect her belongings, which were still in the Stafinsky home.
When a deputy arrived to serve Stafinsky with a court document, he pointed a revolver at the officer. The deputy quickly called backup, and Stafinsky barricaded herself inside the house. A negotiator eventually convinced her to surrender several hours later.
