Domestic Charges Dropped Against Comm. Schrader

Charges of domestic battery have been dropped against District 1 Pasco County commissioner Ted Schrader, weeks after a physical altercation with his wife of 30 years.

According to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), Schrader, 57, who is the chairman of the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners was arrested and charged with domestic battery, following an argument with his wife that turned physical at their Dade City home on February 3. Schrader spent one night in the Land O’ Lakes Detention Center.

The PCSO report says that Schrader and his wife, Julia, had been arguing on Friday night. Early Saturday morning, the report says, Schrader entered the couple’s bedroom to talk to her. According to the report, the couple sleeps in separate beds. His wife, who was lying in her bed, turned over to avoid talking with him. The report says that he grabbed her by the wrist and ankle to pull her toward him, resulting in several bruises, and that alcohol was a factor in the case.

Published reports say that Schrader’s wife asked a judge for a “No Contact,” which would prevent Schrader from being at the couple’s home and from contacting his wife while the case was being investigated.

During a Pasco County Commission meeting February 5, Schrader opened by issuing an apology to his wife and family, as well as his colleagues.

“Before we start the meeting, I’d like to take a few minutes to apologize for the recent events that occurred over the last few days,” Schrader said. “I’d like to first apologize to my wife, to my family for any embarrassment I might have caused. I’d like to apologize to my Board of colleagues. This brings embarrassment to the (BOCC) that I don’t take lightly.”

According to the Pasco County Clerk of Court & Comptroller’s office, the charges against Schrader were dropped on February 20. — MW