By Sheila McLaughlin
The Cincinnati Enquirer

MASON - Two more Mason High School grads went to jail Thursday after a judge chastised them, calling one a "two-bit thief" for their roles in a senior prank that killed a peacock and a rabbit.

Vincent Eric Dean read a letter of apology, and his lawyer said he was ready to "take the punishment" before he was taken into custody and placed in the jury box next to fellow grad John Schatzel.

Both were to be taken to the Warren County Jail for a week.

In his apology to hobby farmer Tim Branham, who stood only a shoulder's width away from him, Dean called the theft of birds and rabbits "a serious and stupid act."

"I am ashamed of the role I played in it," the 18-year-old, said not looking up from his paper. "I am truly sorry. I hope you will find some comfort knowing this act was not intentionally committed against you and your family."

Dean, who was scheduled to go on trial before Judge George Parker for stealing the peacock, instead pleaded no contest to charges of theft and criminal trespass.

In exchange, a charge of animal cruelty was dismissed. The bird had to be euthanized after it was found in a car in the school parking lot, soaked with beer, its legs broken and tied with a cable.

Parker gave Dean the same sentence he levied earlier in the week to Mason grad Maria Butler - seven days in jail, a $500 fine, $400 in restitution and probation until he's 21. Each had 23 days of their total jail sentence suspended.

Parker sentenced Schatzel on Thursday to the same jail term and fine, but did not order him to pay restitution or be on probation.

The judge said he took into consideration Schatzel's honesty and remorse. Police praised Schatzel's cooperation in their investigation.

Accused of stealing a rabbit from Branham's farm, Schatzel pleaded guilty last week to theft and criminal trespassing, which was reduced from a felony charge of breaking and entering.

Butler pleaded no contest on Tuesday to a misdemeanor charge of receiving stolen property for riding Schatzel to school with the rabbit in his book bag.

Her lawyer, former Municipal Judge David Batsche, said Thursday that he will seek an early release for Butler as early as today. Parker recommended that Butler be released each day to work off her fine by cleaning out stalls at the local animal shelter, but she has not been released to perform the community service, Batsche said. She also has a reservation to attend anti-theft classes beginning Saturday, he said.

Two more students still face charges.

Sheriff's officials said the students planned to steal the animals and release them at school. They were arrested after the animals were released in the school June 3.

E-mail smclaughlin@enquirer.com