A Mariposa man convicted seven years ago for elder abuse was arrested last month for trespassing and disorderly conduct.
Eric Augsburger remains in jail on the misdemeanor charges because prosecutors and the judge believe he is a threat to public safety.
In the latest case, Augsburger, 59, allegedly began screaming outside his neighbor’s home before 6 a.m. June 30 on the 4700 block of Ridge Top Road.
When the neighbor stepped outside, Augsburger attempted to hit him in the face, according to witnesses.
The neighbor restrained Augsburger while his wife called 911.
During a July 21 court hearing it was revealed that Mariposa County Sheriff’s deputies reported Augsburger made some concerning statements while being booked into the Mariposa Jail about “being taunted and hearing voices.”
Mariposa County Superior Court Judge Michael Fagalde revoked his supervised release and set bail at $50,000.
Augsburger remains in custody and is scheduled for a psychological assessment.
The Mariposa County District Attorney’s Office says additional felony charges are pending.
In July 2019, Augsburger was charged with felony involuntary manslaughter and elder abuse in connection with the death of 74-year-old Wayne Franklin Adams.
At the time, then Mariposa County Sheriff Doug Binnewies said it was a disturbing case, “and one of the worst I have seen.”
Adam’s daughter, Stephanie, was also charged with multiple felonies in the case.
Responding to a report of possible elder abuse, sheriff’s deputies found Adams in bed in serious and deteriorating condition.
Adams was taken to the hospital and died the next day.
Investigators discovered that Adams’ daughter was cashing his VA and Social Security checks.
In October 2019, Augsburger took a plea deal. Involuntary manslaughter charges were dropped and he pleaded guilty to causing harm leading to the death of an elderly or dependent person.
He was sentenced to four years in prison.
His co-defendant, the victim’s daughter, had all criminal charges dismissed.
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