Newell?s hearing on felony charges delayed for 6th time

The Sedgwick County Court granted Ryan Newell of Marion a sixth continuance related to his preliminary hearing and arraignment on alleged felony stalking and other charges involving Topeka?s Westboro Baptist Church members in late November.

The continuance has been moved to March 17, said Georgia Cole, communications director for the office of the Sedgwick County District Attorney.

With multiple attorneys for the defense, Cole said, and new information coming in which needs to be exchanged among the lawyers, it?s difficult to proceed without having a continuance. Six continuances, she added, is not unusual in this type of case.

Newell?s first appearance was Dec. 2 on the five misdemeanor charges, but he again faced a first appearance Dec. 3 on the two felony charges of stalking and conspiracy to commit aggravated battery, she said.

The first preliminary hearing was scheduled Dec. 16, but was continued to Jan. 20, Feb. 3, Feb. 17, Feb. 24 and now March 17.

In the original complaint, Newell is accused of putting Westboro Baptist Church members, known for protesting at soldiers? funerals, in fear of their safety after he was arrested by a Sedgwick County Sheriff?s detective with alleged guns and ammunitions in his vehicle.

At his first appearance, the judge also told Newell he would not be allowed to have any contact with the Phelps family or member of the Westboro Baptist Church.

Newell was released Dec. 7 on a $500,000 bond.

After Newell?s arrest in late November, the Westboro Baptist Church members organized a protest at a majority of the churches in Marion and at the high school.

The apparent motive for choosing Marion, according to the WBC?s Web site, was because of Newell. The group did notprotest the churches because of cold weather, but did return one week later to protest at the high school.

After Newell was released on bond in December, he was taken to a Veterans Administration hospital.

The preliminary hearing scheduled for March 17 will show probable cause based on evidence why the Sedgwick County Attorney?s office believes the case should go to trial, Cole said.

Following the preliminary hearing, she said the judge will bind Newell over for trial.

?An arraignment is also done at the same time,? Cole said, ?and at that time the defendant can enter a plea of guilty or not guilty.?

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