Big cases on the docket

On Tuesday, July 11, a number of big cases were on the docket at the Foster County Courthouse in Carrington.

Up first was Kristopher Abshere, the 33-year-old individual accused of impregnating a 14-year-old girl in Carrington last summer.

Abshere's hearing on Tuesday was only an initial appearance, where defendants are informed of their rights, the charges filed against them and the maximum and minimum penalties of those charges should they be found guilty.

Also, Abshere's court-appointed attorney, Samuel Gereszek, asked District Court Judge James Hovey for a reduced bond, which had previously been set at $10,000 cash.

Gereszek argued that Abshere could lose his job if he remains in jail and is suffering a downturn in his mental health as a result of being in jail.

Foster County State's Attorney Kara Brinster argued against any change to Abshere's bond, saying that he was in the process of fleeing the state when he was arrested, has strong family ties in Oregon and has shown zero remorse for the alleged crime.

She also said that Abshere has continued to attempt getting into contact with the alleged victim, and that she fears Abshere wouldn't appear for future hearings if he's not in custody.

Judge Hovey, after hearing both sides, chose not to reduce Abshere's bond amount and the hearing was subsequently adjourned.

As of press time, Abshere remained in the Barnes County Correctional Center.

Abshere's next court date is a preliminary hearing and/or arraignment scheduled for August 8 at 1 p.m. in the Foster County Courthouse.

Up next was a pre-trial conference for the Patricia Wick murder case.

Wick is accused of Class AA felony murder for allegedly killing an infant child last year while he was under her care at her daycare business in Carrington.

Wick has pleaded not guilty, which typically sets the stage for a trial date to be scheduled. However, the law firm that was originally representing Wick – Schwab, Thompson & Frisk – filed a motion on May 24 to withdraw themselves as her legal counsel.

The motion was granted and Gereszek was subsequently assigned as Wick's court-appointed attorney. At Tuesday's hearing, Gereszek requested a continuance so that he may have time to become more familiar with the case.

Judge Hovey granted Gereszek's request and the pretrial conference was rescheduled for Oct. 13, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at the Foster County Courthouse.

Both Gereszek and Brinster agreed that the trial would likely take two weeks, though a date for the trial has not yet been scheduled.

As of press time, Wick remained in custody at the Stutsman County Correctional Center on a $50,000 bond.

All defendants are considered innocent unless proven guilty.