Vaneperen takes SES, probation in plea deal

Auden Vaneperen
After pleading guilty on Oct. 23, 2024, Auden Vaneperen was sentenced to 7 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections SES, with 5 years probation and ordered to successfully complete drug court during the Jan. 8 session of Ozark County Circuit Court.
An SES, or suspended execution of sentence, means a defendant will be sentenced to a prison term but will be placed on probation and will not go to prison unless they violate terms of that probation.
Vaneperen was sentenced after the court received a recommendation according to a sentencing assessment report requested by his attorney. The state suggested a 7-year sentence in the DOC with 120-days shock detention, SES with 5 years probation and successful completion of drug court.
Vaneperen’s attorney public defender Chase Opolka requested that the 120-day shock detention not be sentenced for his client.
“The most important thing is to straighten his life,” said Opolka. “He’s willing to bet on himself. He is worried that if he goes to [the 120-day shock detention] he will lose his current job and will negatively impact his family.”
Judge Carter agreed with the defendant’s attorney and did not sentence Vaneperen to serve the recommended 120-days shock detention.
A plea agreement was reached and Vaneperen pleaded guilty in October to amended charges of delivery of a controlled substance. According to the agreement, charges of first degree tampering with a motor vehicle were dismissed. According to the filed probable cause statement prepared by Ozark County Deputy Josh Sherman, Vaneperen sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant between Sept. 1-15, 2023. The purchase was monitored by Ozark County Sheriff Lt. Matt Rhoades.