HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 46-year-old Hutchinson man who at one time was charged with kidnapping of a Hutchinson woman and saw that charge go away was arraigned on the other charges this week.

Michael Meeks entered “not guilty” pleas for aggravated burglary, criminal threat and two misdemeanor counts of battery in front of Judge Trish Rose.

He’s alleged to have battered two of the victims by choking them at a residence in the 300 block of West 14th. The state believed he forced a female victim into his truck where he apparently took her to the Wichita area, but the victim denied that happened. She also denied that he forced his way into the home, but the homeowner testified to just the opposite and says he threatened to kill his cousin over possibly selling Meeks’ girlfriend drugs, but also taking items from her apartment.

Magistrate Judge Cheryl Allen had found that there was insufficient evidence that the kidnapping occurred, so she dropped that charge.

Judge Rose set a tentative trial date for Sept. 13 and a motion deadline of Aug. 12.

Meeks is free on bond.