While we’re still waiting for the preliminary hearing for two of three men arrested nearly a year ago after 28-year-old Larry McVey reported that he had been kidnapped, beaten and robbed by the three. Jeremia Palmer who was bound over for trial in two other cases entered not guilty pleas in front of Judge Tim Chambers Friday.

In one case, he’s charged with aggravated battery for an incident on July 22, 2011. He allegedly battered Tyler Melton after he accused him of making some comment to his girlfriend. Melton apparently required some medical treatment from the altercation. He had to have 12-stitches above his left eye after he says he was punched 12-times. He told the court that he also suffered scrapes on his knees and elbow’s from landing on the pavement near a private pool in Nickerson.

In the other case, Palmer is charged with criminal threat against Michael Young, which is reported to have occurred back on July 30, of last year. Young was also on the stand and told the court that Palmer made a threat stating, “I will bury you, if you don’t come back to the party.” This again occurring at a private pool in Nickerson.

For the incident involving the robbery, kidnapping, and battery of McVey, Palmer, is charged with aggravated kidnapping, aggravated burglary, aggravated battery, attempted aggravated robbery.

Zachary Lawson is charged with aggravated kidnapping, attempted aggravated robbery, aggravated battery, criminal threat, possession of drugs, possession of meth and marijuana.

A third defendant, Jedrik Smith was found guilty of aggravated kidnapping, conspiracy to commit aggravated kidnapping, aggravated battery, aggravated burglary, aggravated intimidation of victim or witness, criminal threat, possession of methamphetamine and criminal use of a weapon for two cases, was sentenced to prison for the next 16+ years. Judge Joe McCarville sentenced him to 196-months.

Palmer and Lawson are still awaiting a preliminary hearing because Lawson needed a new attorney and that delayed any hearing being held.