A Woodland man was arraigned on felony charges on Monday, just days after he allegedly went on a window-breaking spree at two Colusa elementary schools, the Colusa Unified district office, and the Colusa County fairgrounds.
Tab Edward Lenhardt, 37, is facing burglary and other charges related to the Oct. 27 vandalism of Burchfield Primary School, Egling Middle School, and the Colusa Unified School District’s office, which is located in the former Colusa Union High School, constructed in 1926 and listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.
“I spoke to a teacher who said the children were very upset to see their windows broken,” said District Attorney Matthew Beauchamp, referring to the vandalism at the elementary school.
Lenhardt was arrested just after noon near Highway 20 and Harris Street after allegedly breaking the window in the front office of the Colusa County Fairgrounds.
As the charges were laid out, Lenhardt sat in Colusa County Superior Court muttering obscenities under his breath until Superior Court Judge Jeffrey A. Thompson threatened to have him removed from the courtroom if he heard one more “F-word” come out of Lenhardt’s mouth.
Lenhardt has an extensive criminal history in Yolo County, including felony and misdemeanor drug and theft-related convictions that date back more than a decade. In 2019, Lenhardt was convicted of possession of a controlled substance in a plea deal that dismissed charges alleging transportation of drugs for sale. He is currently on probation, according to court records.
Lenhardt remains in custody on $25,000 bail, after the judge determined he was a flight risk due to failing to appear in court as ordered in Yolo County.
Despite the judge cautioning him to remain silent so as not to incriminate himself, Lenhardt, who does not live in Colusa but may have been stranded in the city, said he acted out of “frustration.”
Lenhardt is scheduled to enter a plea in Colusa County Superior Court on Nov. 9. He was appointed Public Defender Albert Smith to represent him. ■