USA v. Shane Meehan

Initial Appearance on Complaint held on 7/9/2021. Government represented by AUSA, Barry Glickman and AUSA, Kathryn Olivier. Defendant appears in person and with FCD counsel, Gwendolyn Beitz and Joseph Cleary. The defendant is advised of his rights, nature of the charges, and possible penalties. The Government moved for detention; the Court GRANTS the motion. The defendant is remanded to the custody of the US Marshal pending further proceedings before the Court. [2:21-mj-00026-CMM]

The deadline for the Government to return an indictment or file an information in this case is extended from August 6, 2021 to October 5, 2021. [2:21-mj-00026-CMM]

The public may listen to the hearing scheduled for 8/4/2021 at 1:30 PM (EDT) by calling (866) 434-5269, access code: 7501058. [2:21-mj-00026-CMM]

The August 4, 2021, initial hearing is vacated and rescheduled to August 13, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. before Magistrate Judge Craig M. McKree. [2:21-mj-00026-CMM]

The previously scheduled initial hearing was held on July 9, 2021 but was not completed at that time. This matter is reconvening on a Criminal Complaint filed on July 8, 2021. Government represented by AUSA, William McCoskey and AUSA, Kathryn Olivier. Defendant appears in person and with FCD counsel, Monica Foster, Gwendolyn Beitz and Joseph Cleary. Defendant waives reading of the Complaint. Counsel asked to defer both a preliminary hearing and a detention hearing. The defendant is remanded to the custody of the US Marshal pending further proceedings. [2:21-mj-00026-CMM]

Court Reporter/Transcriber: David Moxley. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 12/6/2021. [2:21-mj-00026-CMM]

The deadline for the Government to return an indictment or file an information in this case is extended from October 5, 2021 to December 4, 2021. [2:21-mj-00026-CMM]

The deadline for the Government to return an indictment or file an information is extended from December 4, 2021, to February 2, 2022. The period of delay from granting the Joint Motion shall be excluded from the Speedy Trial Act computation. [2:21-mj-00026-CMM]

Court grants the Order filed by the State of Indiana requesting a Warrant be issued and set bond in the amount of $25,000.00 10% allowed. The Clerk is directed to issue Warrant for Defendant's arrest.

Initial Appearance set for 1/24/2022 at 10:00 AM before Magistrate Judge Craig M. McKree.

Jury Trial set for 3/28/2022 09:00 AM in Room #131, United States Courthouse, 921 Ohio Street, Terre Haute, Indiana before Judge James Patrick Hanlon.

Initial Appearance on Indictment held on 1/24/2022. Government represented by AUSA, Lindsay Karwoski and AUSA William McCoskey. Defendant Meehan appears with FCD counsel, Monica Foster and Joseph Cleary. Defendant waives reading of the Indictment. The Court summarized the nature of the three counts in the indictment, the notice of special findings, and the forfeiture provisions. Defendant was advised of the maximum possible penalties, including the possibility the Government may seek a death sentence. Government made an oral motion to detain the defendant pending trial; the Court GRANTED the motion. The defendant remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal.

The motion to continue the jury trial is GRANTED. The Court VACATES the March 28, 2022 trial setting. The Court SCHEDULES a pretrial status conference for April 25, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. in Room 246, United States Courthouse, 46 E. Ohio Street, Indianapolis, Indiana.

Court Reporter/Transcriber: Maggie Techert. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 6/30/2022.

Court Reporter/Transcriber: Maggie Techert. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 7/11/2022.

On April 25, 2022, the Court held a status conference. Defendant Shane Meehan appeared by counsel Monica Foster, Joe Cleary, and Gwen Beitz. The government appeared by counsel, AUSAs William McCoskey, Lindsay Karwoski, and Kathryn Olivier. The Court scheduled a pretrial status conference on June 9, 2022, at 9:30 a.m. in Room 246, United States Courthouse, 46 E. Ohio Street, Indianapolis, Indiana.

Court Reporter/Transcriber: Jodie Franzen. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 9/6/2022.

Court Reporter/Transcriber: Jodie Franzen. Release set for 9/6/2022. Released 7/12/2022.

On June 9, 2022, the Court held a status conference. Defendant Shane Meehan appeared by counsel Monica Foster, Joe Cleary, and Gwen Beitz. The government appeared by counsel, AUSAs Lindsay Karwoski and Kathryn Olivier. The Court scheduled a pretrial status conference on July 28, 2022. The Court ORDERED that by the time of that conference, the United States Attorney shall have either notified defense counsel that it will recommend an expedited decision not to seek the death penalty or have made a firm commitment to a date for defense counsel to make its mitigation presentation.

The Court set this case for a pretrial status conference on July 28, 2022, at 9:30 a.m. in Room 246, United States Courthouse, 46 E. Ohio Street, Indianapolis, Indiana.

Matter set for Initial Hearing. Dirk Carnahan, Knox County Prosecutor, appears for the State. Defendant appears by video, in custody and by counsel, Joseph Cleary. Hearing held, testimony heard. Bond set at $25,000.00 @ 10%. Court grants State's Motion for a No Contact Order.

INITIAL HEARING ORDER issued sets Jury Trial 11/29/22 at 9:30 a.m. Omnibus date 07/12/22.

NO CONTACT ORDER WHILE IN JAIL, UPON RELEASE FROM CUSTODY, ON BAIL OR PERSONAL RECOGNIZANCE served on defendant. Order in effect until conclusion of case.

Court Reporter/Transcriber: Jodie Franzen. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 10/17/2022.

The Court sets this case for final pretrial conference on April 27, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. in Room 246, 46 E. Ohio Street, Indianapolis; the jury trial to commence on May 8, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. in Room 131, 921 Ohio Street, Terre Haute.

CORRECTED ENTRY: Court resets this matter for Jury Trial on April 11, 2023 at 9:30 am.

Final Pretrial Conference is VACATED and RESET to 10/11/2023 at 09:30 AM in Room #329, United States Courthouse, 46 E. Ohio Street, Indianapolis. Jury Trial is VACATED and RESET to 10/30/2023 09:00 AM in Room #131, 921 Ohio Street, Terre Haute.

Session: 08/21/2023 9:00 AM. Judicial Officer: Gilmore, Monica Carpenter. Result: Commenced and concluded. State appears by CDPA C. Michael Steiner. Defendant appears by counsel Joseph Cleary. The parties agree to set this matter for further pre-trial conference on February 12, 2024 at 9:00 am. Criminal Rule 4 to run against the Defendant.

February 12, 2024 pre-trial is continued at the request of the Defendant and is excluded from Rule 4. This cause is scheduled for a review hearing on June 28, 2024 at 1:30 pm.

The government's motion is GRANTED. The defendant shall be examined by one or more qualified psychiatrists or psychologists to determine the existence of insanity at the time of the offense, during his commitment to FMC-Butner for competency re-examination. At the conclusion of the examination, clinicians shall file a report with copies provided to defense counsel and the attorneys for the United States.

Court GRANTS Defendant's Motion for Continuance of the hearing set for June 28, 2024 and now re-sets the matter for hearing on September 16, 2024 at 3:00 PM.

Court GRANTS Defendant's Motion for Continuance of the Review Hearing originally set for September 16, 2024 and now resets the matter for hearing on January 13, 2025 at 1:30 PM (EST).

On October 23, 2024, the Court received the results of the mental competency evaluation conducted of the Defendant. The Clerk shall docket the report UNDER SEAL. Any objections to the mental competency evaluation shall be filed by November 7, 2024. The parties SHALL FILE a joint status update by November 14, 2024.

The Court received Forensic Evaluation prepared by Katherine E. Sunder, Psy.D., and Psychological Evaluation prepared by Tracy O'Connor Pennuto, J.D., Ph.D., docketed under seal. The Court SCHEDULES a competency hearing on November 20, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. in Room 329, United States Courthouse, 46 E. Ohio Street, Indianapolis. The Court ORDERS Mr. Meehan to appear in person.

Defendant has filed a Motion to Continue Competency Hearing. The Court GRANTS the Defendant's Motion. The Court VACATES the November 20, 2024, hearing and CONTINUES the competency hearing to November 25, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. in Room 329, United States Courthouse, 46 East Ohio Street, Indianapolis.

The government's motion for an insanity evaluation if clinical staff at FMC-Butner opine that Mr. Meehan is competent is GRANTED. If clinical staff at FMC-Butner opine that Mr. Meehan's competency has been restored, Mr. Meehan shall then be examined by one or more qualified psychiatrists or psychologists to evaluate the existence of insanity at the time of the offense charged in the indictment.

Session: 04/22/2025 8:30 AM. Judicial Officer: Gilmore, Monica Carpenter. Result: Commenced and concluded. State appears in person by J. Dirk Carnahan and Defense Counsel, Joseph Cleary, appears telephonically for Defendant. Court sets a Telephonic Attorney Conference for July 25, 2025 at 9:00AM.

The Court received the results of the forensic evaluation conducted of the Defendant. The Clerk shall docket the report UNDER SEAL. Any objections to the forensic evaluation shall be filed by August 29, 2025. The parties SHALL FILE a joint status update by September 5, 2025.

Defendant's motion for extension of time to file objections to Mr. Meehan's mental competency evaluation is GRANTED. The deadline is extended through 30 days from the date Mr. Meehan arrives in the Southern District of Indiana. The deadline for the parties to file a joint status update is extended through September 26, 2025.

The Court received a letter from the Acting Warden at FMC Butner requesting additional time to complete the evaluation of Mr. Meehan's mental state at the time of the offense. The evaluation period is extended through October 29, 2025.

On this date, the Court held a telephonic status conference. Defendant Shane M. Meehan appeared by counsel, Monica Foster and Gwendolyn M. Beitz. The government appeared by counsel, William Lance McCoskey, Kathryn E. Olivier, and Lindsay E. Karwoski. The Court ordered counsel to file a general status report and any motion to continue the current trial setting by November 28, 2025.

Mr. Meehan's motion to strike shall be filed no later than November 21, 2025; the government's response shall be filed no later than December 12, 2025; and any reply shall be filed no later than December 23, 2025.

On this date, Defendant Shane M. Meehan appeared in person and by counsel, Monica Foster, Joseph Martin Cleary, and Gwendolyn M. Beitz. The government appeared by counsel, AUSAs Lindsay E. Karwoski and Kathryn E. Olivier. The Court confirmed that counsel agree that Mr. Meehan is not competent to stand trial at this point. The Court ADOPTED the findings of Mr. Meehan's competency evaluation filed on October 23, 2024. The Court found by a preponderance of the evidence that Mr. Meehan is presently suffering from a mental disease rendering him mentally incompetent to the extent that he is unable to understand the nature and the consequences of the proceedings against him or to assist properly in his defense. The Court commits Mr. Meehan to the custody of the Attorney General for hospitalization not exceeding four months.

Defendant's motion to continue final pretrial conference and trial date is GRANTED. The Court VACATES both the January 22, 2026, final pretrial conference and the February 9, 2026, trial settings. The Court CONTINUES the final pretrial conference to August 7, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.; and the jury trial to commence August 17, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in Room 131, 921 Ohio Street, Terre Haute.

Session: 01/09/2026 11:30 AM. Judicial Officer: Gilmore, Monica Carpenter. Zoom Meeting ID: 830 5123 5849. Passcode: 576515. Result: Commenced and concluded.

The United States of America has requested that the Court withdraw Docket No. 183, which was filed in error on December 12, 2025. The Clerk is directed to show Docket No. 183 as WITHDRAWN.

The Motion should be GRANTED. The date for filing objections to the Mental Competency Evaluation shall be extended to and including 60 days from the date of this filing.

More than three years after informing the Court and Mr. Meehan that it would not seek the death penalty, the government reversed course, informing the Court and Mr. Meehan that it would seek the death penalty. Mr. Meehan's motion to strike the government's notice of intent to seek the death penalty is GRANTED. Dkt. [175].

Defendant's motion for extension of time to file objections to his competency evaluation is GRANTED IN PART. The time to file objections to Mr. Meehan's competency evaluation is extended through May 1, 2026. The Court does not anticipate further extensions to that deadline.

The request to expedite briefing is GRANTED only to the extent that the parties will adhere to the current briefing schedule, and no extensions shall be granted except in extraordinary circumstances. Appellant's brief due April 28, 2026; Appellee's brief due May 28, 2026; Reply brief due June 18, 2026. Argument to be scheduled in July 2026.

IT IS ORDERED that this case be orally argued on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the Main Courtroom, Room 2721, of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, 219 S. Dearborn Street, Chicago, Illinois.

Upon consideration of the MOTION TO WITHDRAW APPEAL, IT IS ORDERED that this case is DISMISSED. Oral argument in this appeal, scheduled for July 22, 2026, is VACATED.

The Forensic Evaluation opines that Defendant Shane Meehan is competent to proceed in this case. Neither party objects. The Court SCHEDULES a competency hearing on May 20, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. in Room 307, United States Courthouse, 46 E. Ohio Street, Indianapolis. The Court ORDERS Mr. Meehan to appear in person.

The Court GRANTS the Motion and VACATES the May 20, 2026, hearing. The competency hearing is CONTINUED to May 22, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. in Room 307, United States Courthouse, 46 E. Ohio Street, Indianapolis.

On May 22, 2026, Defendant Shane M. Meehan appeared in person and by counsel, Monica Foster, Joseph Martin Cleary, and Gwendolyn M. Beitz, for a competency hearing. The government appeared by counsel, AUSAs William Lance McCoskey, Lindsay E. Karwoski, and Kathryn E. Olivier. The Court found that Mr. Meehan is presently mentally competent and that he is able to understand the nature and the consequences of the proceedings and assist in his defense. The Court ordered the parties to meet and confer and file a motion to continue the trial by June 5, 2026.

The parties shall meet and confer and file a motion to continue the trial by June 22, 2026. The motion shall include a proposed trial date, and address whether the trial should take place in Terre Haute or in Indianapolis.

Shane Meehan notifies the Court and the parties that he does object to the conclusion reached in the sanity evaluation issued by the BOP on October 30, 2025 (Dkt. #164 SEALED).

Session: 10/01/2026 11:30 AM. Judicial Officer: Gilmore, Monica Carpenter. Zoom Meeting ID: 874 8541 0010. Passcode: 572782.

Session: 10/27/2026 8:30 AM. Judicial Officer: Gilmore, Monica Carpenter.

Session: 04/12/2027 11:30 AM. Judicial Officer: Gilmore, Monica Carpenter.

Session: 04/26/2027 8:30 AM. Judicial Officer: Gilmore, Monica Carpenter.