"The defendant has already violated the court order within 24 hours"

Micah Gansert was arrested on February 18 and arraigned on February 22. Count 1 charges Gansert with the alleged violation of PC 273 (a), child abuse. The alleged victim John Doe born in 2009. Count 2 is cruelty to a child. The alleged victim is John Doe 2 born in 2011.



Gansert had an OR/Bail hearing on Fdbruary 23. Deputy District Attorney Carolyn Schaffer objected to Gansert's release. "The defendant has already violated the court order within 24 hours," Ms. Schaffer told Judge Christopher Wilson. She said he had a phone call with his son, John Doe and "told John Doe not to talk to the police; they are stupid people."

The defendant has relapsed from alcohol addiction" said Ms. Schaffer, "it makes him a danger" and asked Gansert not be released.

"From what you have described, is the DA considering filing new charges such as dissauding a witness?" Judge Wilson asked Ms. Schaffer.

She responded, "I am considering that."

Gansert decided to make things worse and interrupted Deputy Conflict Counsel Meagan O'Connell as she speaking.



Judge Wilson told Gansert that it was best to let his attorney speak on his behalf and Gansert still piped up, "I am sorry about that" referring to the phone call.

"The phone was on speaker phone," said Ms. O'Connell. "Mr. Gansert was  talking to his wife and a third party was present." Ms. O'Connell said contact with a third party was allowed.

Ms. Schaffer said that it was not contact with a third party; Gansert spoke with his son.

Judge Wilson denied release on OR without prejudice and said he would reconsider the issue, if requested, after the preliminary hearing.

Ms. Schaffer asked that bail be increased by an additional $50,000. Judge Wilson denied that request.

Gansert forgetting what was stated earlier, addressed Judge Wilson and asked, "So, I still got bail?"

Then turned to a woman in the courtroom and said, "Terry, get me outta here." Talking between prisoners and people in the audience is prohibited by law.

Intervention is scheduled for March 5. Preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 6.