High bond set in Betras bomb scare case

CANFIELD

Charles J. Reighard's bond was set at $2 million cash or surety during his arraignment related to the bomb scare at the Betras law office Oct. 16.

No pleas were entered during the 67-year old's first appearance on the felony charges. Those are extortion, retaliation, inducing panic and vandalism.

Mahoning County assistant prosecutor Mike McBride, while asking for that bond, said the reason that amount was high was "because of the danger the defendant poses not only to Attorney [David] Betras, but to his family."

Reighard's lawyer asked Judge Scott Hunter for a lower bond due to the "rather low level offenses" on a felony level and he also thought it was a "clearly excessive bond."

Betras, chairman of the Mahoning County Democratic Party,was present and said after the arraignment he was happy with the bond amount.