Arsenal owner is released
Psychiatrist says
Schaefle is
not dangerous
Richard Schaefle, 54, was released from jail Friday morning after his attorney successfully argued a reduction in bail.
Schaefle was released on his own recognizance after the court agreed to dismiss the $750,000 bail that was originally set.
Schaefle was arrested on Sept. 30 after firefighters, first aiders and police responded to a blaze at his home and discovered a large cache of weapons inside. That arsenal included as many as 300 weapons, including military rocket launchers, assault weapons, handguns, smoke grenades, and thousands of rounds of ammunition, police said.
The bail-reduction agreement was reached after a review of Schaefle’s psychological test results concluded that he was neither a threat to himself nor others, said Schaefle’s attorney Kenneth Weiner, East Brunswick.
Within the report, the court-appointed psychiatrist wrote, "This defendant is a classic example of post traumatic stress disorder. In this case, it appears to be caused by a combination of things, including his status as a Vietnam War veteran and also current problems. The situation may be chronic and a psychotherapeutic technique should be used."
As a condition of his release, Schaefle has agreed to seek extensive psychiatric evaluation and undergo counseling.
"I have been in contact with various doctors and also the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs," said Weiner. "We are going to get [Richard] the help he needs and deserves."
In all likelihood, this will be done through a hospital outpatient program.
Also on Friday, Schaefle pleaded guilty to possession of unauthorized assault weapons and also agreed to have the remaining weapons and ammunition destroyed.
Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 18 in New Brunswick.
Neighbors maintained that Schaefle was a quiet and nice man who never bothered anyone.
"He is not crazy, but obviously has some problems that need to be sorted out," said Weiner. "And a commitment to undergo such treatment was the basis for his release."
Schaefle is currently staying with a friend since his house was deemed uninhabitable after the fire, his attorney said.

