Former Pennsylvania GOP Candidate Accused of Assaulting Teen and Providing Alcohol to Minors
A former GOP candidate for lieutenant governor in Pennsylvania, Clarice Schillinger, is facing charges after allegedly assaulting a teenager and providing alcohol to minors at a party she threw for her daughter. The incident occurred on September 29 and Schillinger was charged about a month later with simple assault, harassment, and providing alcohol to minors.
Allegations and Charges
According to a police affidavit unveiled by the Bucks County Courier Times, Schillinger allegedly punched a 16-year-old boy in the face three times during the party, which ran past midnight. Her mother, Danette Bert, and her then-boyfriend Shan Wilson also faced charges of simple assault and harassment. However, those charges were later withdrawn, and Bert and Wilson pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct in December.
The Party and Alleged Violence
The alleged violence occurred after Schillinger provided between 15 and 20 minors with New Amsterdam vodka and Malibu Bay Breeze rum in the basement of her Doylestown home to celebrate her daughter’s 17th birthday. According to the affidavit, Schillinger not only provided the alcoholic beverages but also participated in drinking games with the minors. The celebration took a turn for the worse when a disturbance broke out between the intoxicated adults, causing the teens to want to leave the home.
Wilson allegedly assaulted a 15-year-old boy, while Bert reportedly threw a punch and chased a different teen around the kitchen. Bert is also accused of assaulting a 17-year-old girl. Multiple cellphone videos of the assaults were obtained by investigators.
Legal Defense and Background
Schillinger’s lawyer, Matthew Brittenburg, stated that his client looks forward to fighting the charges. Schillinger, who ran for lieutenant governor last year but didn’t make it past the GOP primary, has dedicated her life to public service and has always been a law-abiding citizen, according to Brittenburg.
This is not the first time police have been called to Schillinger’s address. Just five days prior to the party, police responded to a report of possible underage drinking and found beer cans scattered around the property and 20 minors fleeing inside the house.
Schillinger has been involved in various political action committees (PACs) focused on education. She led a state PAC in 2021 dedicated to electing school board members against COVID-19 mitigation efforts in schools. She then became the executive director of a federal PAC called Back to School USA, which aimed to combat “liberal teachers’ unions and special interest groups that are responsible for indoctrinating our children.”
Despite the charges, Schillinger’s political career and activism may be impacted. The case is ongoing, and she will have the opportunity to defend herself against the allegations.
