San Diego
A Vietnam veteran who took over the 10th floor of the Veterans Administration office building and tossed computers out a window was found guilty Friday of destroying government property.
A San Diego federal court jury deliberated 2 1/2 hours before finding Neil Shangold, 41, guilty of a single felony count.
Judge Leland Nielsen scheduled sentencing for May 21. Shangold could receive a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine. Shangold remains free on a $25,000 bond.
Shangold entered the 10th floor of the Veterans Administration building in Mission Valley on Dec. 21 and confronted officials, whom he accused of trying to take away some of his disability benefits.
One official saw a gun in Shangold’s briefcase. Police were called, and they surrounded the building while Shangold took refuge in an office. He then broke a window and tossed out computers, typewriters and other equipment.
The government said Shangold caused about $9,300 in damage to the equipment and the building during the 12-hour siege that ended at 3 a.m. on Dec. 22.
Shangold told reporters after the verdict, “This will be appealed. It’s not over until the fat lady sings, and she hasn’t sung yet.”
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