Havasu Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Aggravated Assault and Kidnapping; Attorney Vows Appeal

Attorney Mike Shinn has announced plans to appeal the conviction of Kenneth Sailley, a 29-year-old resident of Lake Havasu City. Sailley was found guilty of assaulting the mother of their five-year-old daughter 19 months ago. Shinn asserted at the sentencing hearing on Friday that Sailley is innocent and criticized the court’s decision.

The case was decided in a bench trial presided over by Judge Doug Camacho, who convicted Sailley of two counts of aggravated assault, kidnapping, and a misdemeanor assault charge on August 23. Prosecutor Jeff Haws reported that Sailley has engaged in conspiracy accusations against Haws, Shinn, and Judge Camacho during recorded jail communications.

“That’s all absurd,” Haws replied firmly. He praised Shinn’s professionalism and stated that there was no collusion against Sailley. Haws noted that Sailley’s explosive behavior had presented challenges throughout the trial, with the defendant repeatedly displaying anger management issues.

Sailley expressed dissatisfaction with Shinn’s legal representation, claiming poor communication. However, Haws countered that Shinn had done everything possible to handle a client with severe anger problems. “He lost control over and over again as this case has been pending,” Haws noted, emphasizing Sailley’s volatility.

The victim, Sarah Roman, shared harrowing details of the attack during her testimony. She recounted a February 2023 incident during a child visitation exchange, where Sailley allegedly choked her and violently threw her and their daughter onto a couch. Roman explained the lasting impact of Sailley’s actions, stating, “He has stripped me of my security and safety.” She expressed her ongoing fear of potential threats from Sailley.

During the trial, Sailley denied all allegations, asserting that he never harmed Roman. Judge Camacho ultimately denied a motion for a new trial, which claimed insufficient evidence for the conviction, and sentenced Sailley to 15 years in prison.

As he was led away, Sailley offered a defiant, “Love you,” to his supporters, to which one replied, “You’re a good man.”