YOUNGSTOWN Judge keeps bonds up in cop case

If the suspects are able to post bond, they will be on electronic house arrest.
By BOB JACKSON
VINDICATOR COURTHOUSE REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- A judge has set bonds at $100,000 cash or surety for two men accused of trying to prevent police from finding Martin Koliser Jr. in April.
The ruling was handed down Friday by Judge James C. Evans of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court, where 22-year-old Lemar Butler and 23-year-old Jonathan A. Kuzan are charged with obstructing justice.
At a hearing Thursday, defense attorney Thomas Zena asked that their bonds be set at $10,000, but assistant prosecutor Jay Macejko pushed for $100,000. Zena represents both Butler and Kuzan.
Judge Evans ruled that if either man is able to post bond and be released from jail to await trial, he will be placed on electronically monitored house arrest.
If Kuzan is able to post bond and get out of jail, he will be allowed to travel to and from his job in Girard. Butler is unemployed so would not have work privileges.
Electronically monitored house arrest is the same restriction Judge Evans placed on Frank Howley Jr. earlier this week. Howley, 22, also is charged with obstructing justice, and his bond also was set at $100,000 cash or surety.
A fourth suspect, Forrest A. Rupp Jr., 23, is still being held in jail for a probation violation.
Basis for charges
The four men are accused of hampering police efforts to track down Koliser in the wake of two April 29 shootings that left Youngstown Patrolman Michael T. Hartzell dead and 23-year-old Donell T. Rowe injured.
Macejko said he's been in plea negotiations with Zena, who also represents Rupp, and with attorney Michael Gollings, who represents Howley.
"I expect pleas almost immediately," Macejko said. "Probably as early as next week."
Koliser, 30, of Boardman, faces charges of aggravated murder in the Hartzell shooting. He could face the death penalty if he is convicted. He also is charged with attempted murder, escape and illegal possession of a weapon.
Koliser's wife, Bonnie J. Koliser, 28, filed for divorce Friday in common pleas court. Court documents say the couple, married in February 1995, have a 7-year-old son.
bjackson@vindy.com