YOUNGSTOWN Judge to rule on bonds for 2 men in Koliser case

The prosecutor wants a $100,000 bond, but the defense wants $10,000.
By BOB JACKSON
VINDICATOR COURTHOUSE REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- A judge was to rule today on setting bonds for two men accused of hampering police efforts to track down Martin Koliser in April.
Lamar Butler, 22, of Stratmore Avenue and Jonathan A. Kuzan, 23, of Oakwood Avenue each are charged with obstructing justice.
Authorities say Butler, Kuzan and two other men helped Koliser elude police after the fatal shooting of Youngstown Patrolman Michael T. Hartzell and the wounding of Donell T. Rowe during the early hours of April 29.
Koliser, 30, of Boardman, is charged with aggravated murder, attempted murder and other felony counts. He could get the death penalty if convicted.
What attorneys said
Attorney Thomas Zena, who represents Butler and Kuzan, said the men have supportive families, ties to the community and jobs that will keep them from leaving the area if they are released from jail to await trial.
Neither has a substantial criminal history, Zena said.
But assistant prosecutor Jay Macejko said the men knew what Koliser had done and helped him anyway. Butler gave false information to police, and Kuzan harbored Koliser after the shooting, Macejko said.
He asked that their bonds be set at $100,000 cash or surety, which is the same bond Judge James C. Evans set earlier this week for Frank A. Howley Jr., 22, of Donald Avenue, who also is charged with obstructing justice.
A fourth suspect, Forrest A. Rupp Jr., 23, of Boardman, is still being held in the county jail for a probation violation.
Zena asked Judge Evans to set bond for Kuzan and Butler at $10,000, so their families will have a reasonable chance of coming up with the money.
Judge Evans said he would review the matters and make a decision today.
bjackson@vindy.com