In a hearing earlier this spring, John B. Berven, left, listens to attorney Mark Hendershott of Sutherlin, while Berven's wife, Samantha J. Haskinson, stands nearby. The two were taken into custody on March 7 in connection with a child abuse investigation involving their three children and another child in their care. World Photo by Madeline Steege
COQUILLE - Inside the Coos County Courthouse, they call it Family Court.
This is the place a judge settles divorces, sets child support decrees, hears child custody issues. Ultimately, this is the place where many families break apart. And it's these cases few people ever hear about.
"Your lawyers tell me you're going to plead guilty today to four separate crimes," said Coos County Circuit Judge Martin Stone.
Standing before him were 22-year-old Samantha J. Haskinson and 32-year-old John B. Berven. They were shackled. Ankle chains kept their feet close together, while chains looped around their waists kept their hands tied to their stomachs.
The Greenacres couple had been in the Coos County jail since early March, charged with starving and abusing an 8-year-old girl in their care and withholding medical care for their two toddlers and infant.
They each were charged with three counts of first-degree criminal mistreatment, two counts of second-degree assault, one count seeking a departure from sentencing allegations for stricter sentences and one count of attempted murder.
Monday afternoon, the couple cut a deal with the Coos County District Attorney's office.
"By pleading guilty you give up the right to remain silent, ..." Stone told them.
In the end, Haskinson and Berven pleaded guilty to four charges, including:
€ criminal mistreatment - three counts for withholding medical attention from their three children; and
€ second-degree assault - one count for causing serious physical injury to Ina Rose by failing to provide her with food, physical care, supervision and medical care.
In return, the court dismissed one charge of second-degree assault, the attempted murder charge, and two other charges. Haskinson and Berven were ushered out of the court shortly after, but it won't be their last appearance.
Second-degree assault is a Measure 11 crime, mandating a maximum of 70 months in the state penitentiary with a maximum fine of $125,000. Their sentencing is scheduled for Monday, June 13.
At Monday's hearing, Assistant District Attorney Coleen Cerda asked Judge Stone not to require the children's presence in court with Haskinson and Berven that day.
"I would assume they not be in the court with them. They were very traumatized by these crimes," she said.
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Well this goes to show that this is the best coo's county can do.I can't see this lady getting 90 DAYS for helping a person murder another person.this makes me sick.
Hello My name is Judy Reyes I have looked on every web site for Coos county animal shelter & can not find it . I an looking for a small young female dog . a poodle or poodle mix or a cock a poo . I live in Albany Or, coos bay was our home for many years . We adopted a dog from coos counnty and had him for 15 yrs . we have a very nice home & all fenced . & have love to spare for animals . we have no other dogs & no children . I am retired & homr most of the time . Thanks for your help. E. Mail reyesletro 2@ aol.com Sincerely
Judy Reyes
Community editor Hallie Winchell wrote on Jul 27, 2007 10:10 AM:
The Teen Idol contest was held at the Coos County Fair this week, as mentioned in the story above. The rest of the competition is scheduled to be held at the Egyptian Theatre in downtown Coos Bay starting again on Thursday, Aug. 2. - Community Editor Hallie Winchell
We, my husband and sister-in-law and I went to the Egyptian Theater tonight to watch the "Teen Idol." NO ONE was there and there were no messages regarding this program??? What's the deal here? We thought as stated in your web site above that it would be there on Thursday evenings at least through mid-August.. I look forward to hearin from you
It is an honor to particapate in Teen Idol, I'm having the time of my life. I get really excited when I see the turn out of people, friends and family at the Egyptian theatre. Thanks for your support! See you at the fair.
Peace Out :)
Teen Idol is one of the best experiences Ive ever had and I hope that everyone gets out here and supports us at the Egyptian this Thursday!!!
*Rock On*
~Star Moralez~
It doesn't matter what the administration says about what we've been hurt by or not hurt by!! There is such a thing as a RIPPLE effect.Because we lost a substantial source of revenue,Not only with the 2006 closure but the early closure in June of 2005 we all have incurred numerous bills that literally have many SERIOUS fisherman on the ropes!!Meaning those of us that earn every dime we make from Commercial fishing!Yes we were eligible for loans from the S.B.A. but thats just another Bill every month that we don't need!!It's kinda funny that they completely shut off the fishery for part of one year and totally for the next,but now we have all this time and unrestricted area to fish for Salmon but,to Date, we have a Whopping 62 fish in for the Year!!!There have been NO SALMON thus far!!The bills are still coming in and it is unconscionable to think for even one moment that we don't need every one of those disaster relief dollars!!DONALD JACOBS F/V ANA MARIA !
The World welcomes your comments about stories, and we encourage a robust dialogue on this site. All comments must meet reasonable standards of decency and civility.
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