Deen Castronovo is lucky not to be facing jail time after pleeding guilty to domestic violence charges in court earlier today:
Journey drummer Deen Castronovo was handed a suspended sentence and four years of probation after pleading guilty to domestic violence crimes on Monday, Oct. 12.
Castronovo, 51, pleaded guilty to two counts of fourth-degree assault constituting domestic violence, two counts of menacing constituting domestic violence, unlawful use of a weapon and coercion.
If he violates the terms of his probation, a sentence of five years and five months in prison could be imposed.
While on probation, Castronovo cannot enter into a romantic relationship without permission from his probation officer, use controlled substances or alcohol, contact the victim, leave Oregon or enter into any bars unless for employment purposes, among other things.
Marion County Circuit Judge Jamese Rhoades also required Castronovo to undergo counseling for domestic violence and drug abuse.
For the record - here is a post from Deen's ex-wife:
Shelly Baughman Castronovo writes:
I feel like the media has made people into sheep! The truth... Deidra Witmer the woman who accused Deen of these charges has had a pattern of of bad relationships. They pushed each other...yes...but she was on a flight to Cabo the day after the arrest. She was riding horses on the beach an partying 2 days after that. Deen was in a toxic relationship.
...he at the height of drug abuse...she...with 3 dui's. He did violate the no contact order due to drugs but she has been in fights with many...no prior issues with the law except with her. The same can not be said of her. I am tired of people villafying a man I have known and loved for 33 years...married for 10. He is the father of my son and another beautiful boy. PLEASE don't be so quick to cast the first stone! He was wrong in pushing her...she was wrong on pushing back!!!! He has a beautiful heart and has been clean for 104 days. Please don't judge what you don't know!
