Defendant back in court to face additional charges
bnolan@eldoradonews.com
The list of charges against an El Dorado man who appeared in 35th District Court on Monday grew a little longer as he was indicted in the same court on Wednesday on felony charges for breaking and entering and attempted theft of property, firearm. Both charges are connected to the July 21 shooting that took place in Country Club Terrace.
Unlike Monday, when defendant Michael Ford, 21, appeared before District Judge George Van Hook in a wheelchair and with his co-defendant, Ford limped into the courtroom on Wednesday, free of his wheelchair and without Ronnie Levingston.
The charges Ford faced Wednesday are both class- D felonies, the least serious felony classification in the state of Arkansas, punishable by up to six years in the Arkansas Department of Correction and a fine of $10,000. Monday’s charges included aggravated robbery and possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver.
When totaled with the charges Ford faces today in Union County Circuit Court, First Division, his felony count for the year comes to nine. Levingston was charged with aggravated robbery and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
When Van Hook set Ford’s bond at $100,000, the same amount he was issued Monday, the defendant shook his head in disappointment.
Also in District Court on Wednesday:
• Aric Hall, 24, was charged with aggravated assault on a family or household member and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. These charges violate the terms of his parole for a previous conviction. Hall was issued a $100,000 cash-only bond and a 4 p.m. to 9 a.m. curfew. He plans to hire his own attorney.
• Allen Landon, 22, was issues a $5,000 sheriff ’s bond in connection with a forgery charge. He must adhere to a 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. curfew and have no contact with his alleged victim.
• Otis Walker, 63, pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor charges of failure to appear and public intoxication. Walker was fined $100 for each misdemeanor charge. Van Hook issued Walker a $5,000 unsecured bond to be signed by the defendant and three registered voters for his charge of second-degree battery. He was found indigent and must have no contact with his alleged victim.
• Benjamin West, 18, pleaded guilty to second-degree criminal mischief. He must serve 60 days in the Union County Jail, pay a fine of $1,000, and pay an estimated $500 in restitution to his victim.