May 31, 2021 at 9:41 p.m.
Bond reduced in witness intimidation case
Bond reduced in witness intimidation case
By River News Staff-
Fawn M. Wiitala, 39, is set for a two-day jury trial Aug. 9-10 on the Class C felony of possession with intent to deliver amphetamine more than 50 grams (as a party to a crime) along with two drug-related misdemeanors filed in September 2020.
While free on a $500/$4,500 signature bond signed by her mother, Wiitala allegedly sent electronic messages to a friend threatening a mutual acquaintance who is expected to testify in the upcoming trial. She also picked up new felony drug-related charges in Michigan.
Wiitala made her initial appearance April 13 before Oneida County circuit judge Patrick O'Melia on charges of felony bail jumping and felony intimidation of a witness. The charges were originally filed March 5 at which time bond was set $7,500 cash and the case transferred to circuit judge Michael Bloom in Branch II where the 2020 case is being heard.
Following a preliminary hearing May 7, Bloom found there was enough evidence for the case to proceed and scheduled a separate arraignment for May 24.
At that hearing, Wiitala's public defender Elizabeth Svehlek entered not guilty pleas to the three charges. Svehlek also argued for a reduction of the cash bond in the new case, saying Wiitala was indigent and the most her family could raise was $2,000.
Assistant district attorney Mary Sowinski argued against any bond modification and Bloom took the request under advisement.
Bloom then scheduled the case for a status conference on June 29, which is the date for a pre-trial conference in the 2020 case.
After entering the pleas May 24, Svehlek asked Bloom again to reconsider her client's bond, making the same arguments. This time Bloom agreed to a bond reduction of the first $2,000 cash and $5,500 signature, signed by her mother, who Wiitala must live with during the pendency of the case.
She faces up to 10 years in prison on the felony intimidation charge and up to 40 years if convicted of the trafficking charge from 2020.
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