News Photo by Reagan Voetberg Theodore Beck is pictured walking out of the 89th District courtroom after his appearance in court. His defense counsel, Attorney Matt Wojda, stands behind him.

ROGERS CITY — Theodore Beck, 64, waived his preliminary examination in the 89th District Court in Presque Isle on Tuesday. His case was bound over to the 53rd Circuit Court.

Beck is charged with four counts of sexual assault in the fourth degree for force or coercion.

Beck was represented by attorney Matt Wojda, and Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Jeremiah Wirgau represented the State of Michigan. Judge Michael Ekdahl presided.

Beck will be arraigned in circuit court at 9 a.m. on Aug. 11.

Jeffrey Kortman, 63, had a pre-trial hearing in the 89th District Court on Tuesday for one count of controlled substance — manufacture of methamphetamine on school or library property, three counts of controlled substance — possession with intent to deliver on school or library property (narcotic or cocaine) less than 50 grams, two counts of controlled substance — delivery/manufacture methamphetamine, one count of controlled substance — possession on school or library property — methamphetamine, one count of controlled substance — possession (cocaine, heroin, or other narcotic) 50 to 449 grams, two counts of controlled substance — delivery/manufacture (cocaine, heroin or another narcotic) 50 to 449 grams, four counts of controlled substance — delivery/manufacture (cocaine, heroin or another narcotic) less than 50 grams, one count of weapons — firearms — possession by prohibited person, one count of weapons — firearms — ammunition — possession by prohibited person, one count of weapons — felony firearm, and two counts of controlled substance — maintaining a drug house.

Kortman was represented by attorney Devin Pommerenke.

Pommerenke said that he had received a large majority of the discovery, but is still waiting on some pertinent evidence, including an audio video.

The preliminary exam was originally scheduled for July 29, but with additional time needed in the discovery phase, a new date was set for 11 a.m. on Aug. 12.

Pommerenke asked for a modification to Kortman’s bond, which is set at $500,000 with no 10%.

He proposed to reduce Kortman’s bond to $100,000 with 10%. The 10% means that Kortman could be released from jail if he is able to post 10% of his bond, pending trial.

Pommerenke said that Kortman lost his home in a fire during the ice storm and is still financially recovering. Kortman is also indigent, he said, and a lower bond would be more entertainable for the defendant.

Wirgau argued against the reduced bond.

“I’m not buying the financial hardships,” he said. “He came up with a bunch of drugs, there’s a ton of drugs in his house, so there’s lots of money. This is one of the bigger drug busts we’ve had in this county. Bond is absolutely appropriate.”

Judge Ekdahl agreed with Wirgau and denied Pommerenke’s motion without prejudice. Pommerenke then asked to add just the 10% to the bond and keep the monetary value at $500,000. Ekdahl again denied the motion, leaving Kortman’s bond at $500,000 and no 10%.

Reagan Voetberg can be reached at 989-358-5683 or rvoetberg@TheAlpenaNews.com.