Magistrate Judge Randy McEwen says no to a reduction of bond for a 31-year-old Hutchinson man arrested in connection with a shooting incident back on February 26, plus two other cases.
Although he disagreed with the state that a tape made of a conversation Justin Gleason had from the Reno County Jail with a co-defendant in a drug case against him that threats or violence could occur if her were released, the judge did agree that Gleason is a danger to the community based on the current charges in the three cases, as well as others he hasn’t been charged with including possibly another drive-by last August.
His attorney, Kelly Driscoll wanted the bonds lowered citing the fact that his bonds are higher then those accused of murder, or someone facing Jessica’s Law charges, both of which could carry a life sentence.
But, the state argues that he is an extreme danger to the community, and to the witnesses in the cases against him. Senior Assistant District Attorney Steve Maxwell played the jailhouse tape where the defendant told Holly Caudillo that the witnesses are lying about him and that he’ll never forget. He says this town is nothing but dope fiends and snitches.
But, Driscoll says he was just venting because of what he is facing. He admitted on the tape to Caudillo that there is no way he’ll get probation in these cases. He wants a deal and says he’s waiting for something reasonable and then he’ll jump on it.
In the end, the judge agreed with the state that the bonds are reasonable.
Gleason faces seven counts of criminal discharge of a firearm, criminal possession of a firearm, and one count of aggravated battery, possession of cocaine with intent to sell, possession or marijuana, no tax stamp, possession of stolen property and possession of drug paraphernalia in one case.
Hutchinson Police were called to the 1100 block of East Avenue C back in February on the report of multiple gunshots. There were allegedly numerous shots fired at the home with Daniel Coronado apparently struck in the foot underwent surgery for the injury. Five adults and two children where in the residence when the shooting occurred, but they were not injured.
In another case against Gleason, he faces charges of attempted robbery, attempted aggravated burglary, criminal threat and blackmail, where he allegedly sent text messages to the victim and told him he better have the money, and was coming over to collect. The state alleges he was extorting money from the victim over crack cocaine.
When Gleason showed up at the victims home police were waiting and he was arrested on the charges. That was back on December 15, 2011.
He also faces charges of possession of cocaine with intent to sell, possession of marijuana, criminal possession of a firearm, no tax stamp, possession of stolen property, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Allegedly drugs were found in the small home he lived in.
He’s scheduled for a preliminary hearing in all these cases next week.