Bond reduction denied
More than seven weeks ago, a mental health official recommended a Montezuma County jail inmate be admitted to a state hospital.
Tobin Ethington, 33, of Cortez has been in custody since his arrest on May 30. He’s charged with second-degree assault and resisting arrest after he allegedly hit a 50-year-old Mancos man over the head with a metal cotter pin.
At a bond hearing on Tuesday, July 22, public defender Amy R. Smith requested a personal recognizance bond so her client could receive “better” and “more consistent” mental health treatment, adding the jail offered “intermittent” mental health care at best.
“A $2,000 bond for second-degree assault is pretty low,” said Chief District Court Judge Doug Walker.
Prosecutors argued against altering bond, citing the defendant was a “danger to the community.” The request was denied.
Court records reveal the defendant requires a “higher level of care,” and should be placed at the Colorado Mental Health Institute. A trial date is set for Nov. 3.
Shooting plea
A second man pleaded guilty in connection to a residential shooting that occurred over a pair of sunglasses on Christmas Day.
Jordan Hanks, 25, of Cortez pleaded guilty to felony menacing and reckless endangerment charges last week. He faces a 24-month deferred sentence and judgment and concurrent probation at sentencing on Sept. 4. The maximum penalty is six years.
According to court records, the victim was held at gunpoint when one round was fired inside the home over a pair of stolen sunglasses. Last month, a codefendant involved with the S. Maple Street shooting received a similar sentence.
Court shows love
The second suspect in a Valentine’s Day home invasion was granted a continuance last week so his attorney could consider a plea deal.
Gary Soza, 38, of Cortez faces felony second-degree burglary, criminal mischief and theft charges in connection a County Road 33 residential burglary. His case was continued to Aug. 7.
Soza and a codefendant allegedly smashed through a window of the home, and stole eight antique Kachina dolls valued at $4,000, an air compressor, greenhouse, turkey cooker, necklace and a Blue Ray player on Valentine’s Day. Charges also remain pending against the other suspect.
tbaker@cortezjournal.com
