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SALT LAKE CITY — Dell "Super Dell" Schanze told a federal judge Tuesday the reason he is against having to remove guns and ammunition from his home, a condition of his pretrial release, is that it would leave him defenseless should a problem arise.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Brooke Wells said she understands his arguments but that they were "not persuasive."
Schanze persisted: "Are you aware that a human head was thrown through my picture window?"
Wells said she was not aware of such an incident, but she did not allow him to explain further, saying it didn't affect the conditions of his pretrial release.
Schanze, 45, founder of Totally Awesome Computers and known for his vociferous personality, lives in an unincorporated area of Utah County near American Fork. He faces misdemeanor charges for allegedly chasing and kicking an owl while flying in his motorized paraglider more than three years ago — an incident that surfaced in a YouTube video last year.
As he left the courtroom, Schanze briefly addressed reporters who asked about the alleged incident at his house.
"I'm telling the truth," he said. "You guys are liars. Nothing you say is true."
Deputies with the Utah County Sheriff's Office, as well as American Fork and Saratoga Springs police officers, said no reports consistent with Schanze's claims have been filed.
Are you aware that a human head was thrown through my picture window?
–Dell Schanze
Schanze was summoned for Tuesday's pretrial release violation hearing after Probation and Pretrial Services officers were unable to inspect his residence for firearms or ammunition. Schanze, who arrived late to the hearing, denied allegations of not availing his home to officers, as well as not returning their phone calls.
"Under duress, I've complied with all unconstitutional orders," he said, interrupting Wells. "I answer the phone all day. That's what I do. I've called back every single time."
When Schanze continued to interrupt the judge, she told him to be quiet, and he complied.
Wells and prosecutors arranged for U.S. pretrial supervising officers to search Schanze's home Wednesday morning. Failing to allow them into his home could potentially lead to his arrest, the judge said.
If officers are unable to conduct a search of Schanze's home Wednesday, or if he is found in possession of weapons, he will be scheduled to appear in court again at 10 a.m. Jan. 8.
During a Dec. 11 hearing, Schanze was handcuffed and taken into custody after he interjected in another man's case, saying the judge's order for the man to give up his guns was "totally unconstitutional" and "not cool at all."
When his outbursts continued during his own case, he was confined to a holding cell after not agreeing to hand over his own weapons. He was released on the condition that he comply with restrictions on firearms and traveling, as well as orders to look for a job and undergo a mental health evaluation.
