Jason Porter, a former police officer, appeared in court Aug. 9 on a felony charge of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and a misdemeanor count of assault and battery. The charges stemmed from a December 2022 incident in which Porter, while on duty, allegedly deployed his taser on a suspect who was handcuffed to a hospital bed at Watonga Mercy following an injury during a car pursuit.
Porter, who is no longer employed as a police officer, has been out on $3,000 bond since his arrest.
The felony count was dismissed in a plea deal with court costs and a 30-day jail sentence on the misdemeanor count after he plead guilty. The jail sentence will be served out of Blaine County because of concerns for Porter’s safety and will be on 15 consecutive weekends. There are no fines and no probation as part of the sentencing.
Alan Nuzum, who had been charged with aggravated trafficking in illegal substances, multiple counts of possession with intent to distribute, maintaining a dwelling for keeping and selling controlled dangerous substances, as well as firearms violations and possession of paraphernalia, entered a guilty plea.
According to court records he was sentenced to 25 years in prison, suspended except for 11 years on each count, with the sentences to run concurrently, or all at the same time. He must also pay fees, fines and costs and serve supervised probation after release from prison.
In other court hearings, the state’s case against Carl Brewer was continued until September 28. He is out on bond on felony charges of child abuse and lewd or indecent acts against a child under 16.
Shannon Amacher’s case on drug-related charges was continued until Sept. 6, and her case was reassigned to a different attorney. Amacher has entered a not guilty plea on the charges stemming from her arrest on July 31.
The attorney for James Marshall asked for and received permission to withdraw his representation. The state asked Marshall’s bond be forfeited and a bench warrant issued as it was Marshall’s third nonappearance in court. The attorney said he was enroute to treatment, but the warrant was issued nonetheless. His bond will be doubled on his return to Blaine County.
Adam McGirt was in custody on a revoked bond issued in a DUI case. He entered a guilty plea and was issued a deferred sentencing for two years, 25 hours of community service and fees and fines.
Kyler Shawnee was released following a guilty plea on charges of malicious damage of less than $1,000, obstructing an officer and threatening acts of violence. He was ordered to not have contact with the other parties in the case, pay restitution and seek anger management counseling. The hearing on his restitution was set for Sept. 16.
Levi Baker was ordered to spend one day in the Blaine County Jail on a charge of obstruction and pay a fine or fee.
Kendall Johnson was remanded to custody following two charges of probation violation and a new charge of possession of a controlled dangerous substance. He pleaded guilty to the charges and was ordered to spend 120 days in custody.
Shaun McLemore plead guilty to one count of receiving or knowingly concealing stolen property. He was sentenced to 10 days in jail, with credit for time served and fees and fines of $100.
Leah McGinnis faced an amended charge of assault and battery and plead guilty to the misdemeanor. She was sentenced to five days in jail, which she had already served, plus fines, fees and costs.
Seven other cases were continued, two detainees were referred for assessment for drug court and one case was dismissed.