Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Pothier turns himself in, then released

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By DELLA SENTILLES
Express Staff Writer

Christopher D. Pothier

Battery suspect Christopher D. Pothier turned himself in to the Blaine County Sheriff's Office Monday but was then released on bail, Blaine County Sheriff Walt Femling confirmed Tuesday.

Judge Casey Robinson issued a warrant for Pothier's arrest last Wednesday when Pothier failed to appear before the judge for a preliminary hearing.

On Monday, Pothier told Robinson he missed the hearing due to car trouble. Robinson accepted Pothier's statement, reinstated his bond of $80,000 and set a new court date for June 20 at 9 a.m.

Pothier is charged with felony "domestic battery resulting in traumatic injury" for allegedly severely beating his 27-year-old girlfriend at the couple's home in Gannett on the evening of April 22 and into the following morning.

Pothier was also charged last summer with kidnapping, rape and three other felonies for alleged crimes against the same woman. Those charges were dismissed after the woman notified the Blaine County Prosecuting Attorney's Office that the "allegations were blown out of proportion" and that she would not testify against Pothier.

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As of Tuesday afternoon, Pothier was back out on bail until his next court appearance. "We'll probably have to do this again," Femling said. "We'll see if he shows up."