Phillip Thomas Swartz, 36, of Sweet Home, remains in Lane County Adult Corrections after an arrest on Feb. 20 in Florence. Swarts was arrested for allegedly breaking into a home and holding the female resident against her will in an attempt to rob her.
He was charged with two felonies and various misdemeanors. His felony charges were for first degree burglary and third degree robbery.
On the count of first degree burglary, a Class A felony, the court document states Swartz unlawfully and knowingly entered or remained in an occupied dwelling located at a residence at Tamarack Street in Florence, Ore., with the intent to commit the crime of theft therein.
The State further alleges, during the commission of the offense the defendant caused or threatened physical injury to the female resident.
On the count of third degree robbery, a Class C felony, the document alleges the defendant, Swartz, unlawfully and knowingly, while in the course of committing or attempting to commit theft, and with intent of preventing and overcoming resistance to defendant’s taking of property and or retention of the property immediately after the taking, used or threatened the immediate use of physical force upon a female resident.
Swartz also faces various Class A misdemeanor charges in the case. Those charges include menacing, first degree criminal trespass, fourth degree assault and second degree theft.
According to court reports, a charge of second degree kidnapping was also pursued at the onset by Lane County District Attorney Patty Perlow.
“When we first received the police reports, information was filed that included a kidnapping in the second degree charge,” she said. “After the grand jury heard the case, the Indictment was returned without the kidnapping charge based upon the evidence presented.”
Florence Police Department was unavailable for comment.
“I can’t comment on the case, other than procedure, until it is disposed,” Perlow said of the case moving forward.
Swartz is being held on $175,000 bail. His next court appearance is April 18 at 9:30 a.m. at the Lane County Circuit Court.