Judge Mark Stedelin has ordered a 45-year-old Centralia man to serve seven days in the Marion County Jail for violation of the new pre-trial release portion of the cashless bond law.
The sanction was handed down to Chris Ramey of East 6th Street for allegedly going to the home of the alleged domestic battery victim he was ordered to stay away from as part of his release from jail a week ago Monday.
It was the first violation of the new law in Marion County.
State’s Attorney Tim Hudspeth had filed a motion asking Ramey be held in jail for 90 days as allowed under the law as his case progresses in court. While Hudspeth argued that Ramey presented a threat of harm to the alleged victim, it was noted in the police report the victim was not combative or hostile when he apparently went to the home to get some of his belongings.
Centralia Police had discovered Ramey in the driveway of the home when on patrol. He then allegedly got into his truck and attempted to leave as police attempted to stop him. Ramey reportedly stopped about 50 feet away and denied being at the home.
Judge Stedelin noted in handing down the sanction that Ramey had clearly been warned of the consequences of violating the pre-trial release including the no-contact order.
In addition to violation of pretrial release, Ramey was also charged with a new misdemeanor offense of obstructing a peace officer. His next appearance in court was set for October 12th.
