A Villager arrested this past November in a SWAT standoff at her home has fired her public defender and is demanding her release from jail.
Jana Stafinsky, 53, continues to be held without bond following the nearly five-hour standoff Nov. 20 at her home at 2186 Broxton Place in the Village of Ashland.
In a hand-written court document, Stafinsky announced she has fired her attorney from the public defender’s office, complaining that he has not returned her phone calls. She has indicated she hopes to hire a “paid” attorney. For the moment, she is acting as her own “pro se” attorney.
In addition, Stafinsky is demanding her release from jail. She has a long list of health complaints and indicated she needs to see an orthopedic foot specialist and requires physical therapy. She complained that the jail has not provided her with a wheelchair or mobility scooter. She argues that she should be released on her own recognizance and is not a flight risk.
Stafinsky had been embroiled in a legal battle with a renter who was paying $1,000 per month to live in a room at the home. The renter had been suddenly ordered to leave and had gone to court in an effort to recover her possessions, which were still in the Stafinsky home.
When a deputy showed up to serve Stafinsky with a court document, Stafinsky pointed a gun at the deputy. The deputy immediately requested backup and Stafinsky barricaded herself in the home. A negotiator finally persuaded her to surrender several hours later.