A New Marshfield man pleaded not guilty yesterday to threatening and robbing a student two weeks ago.
A county judge held Bryon C. Ely, 21, on $80,000 bail during Ely's arraignment yesterday. The judge also ruled that Ely must pay the entire bail instead of the 10 percent bond that typically is allowed. If he posts bail, Ely must not contact his accuser, because of a judicial order.
Prosecutors said either Ely or Nicholas Dowler, of 11455 Salem Road, approached a female student at 2:30 a.m. Oct. 3 and snatched her purse after brandishing what looked like a box cutter. He then jumped into a waiting truck driven by the other man. It is unclear who drove and who carried the box cutter.
Minutes later, security cameras recorded them using the student's credit card at the Speedway on Richland Avenue.
A grand jury indicted both Ely and Dowler last Tuesday for two counts of aggravated robbery and one count of theft.
Ohio University police arrested Ely Oct. 15 when he appeared at the local courthouse for another, unrelated case. Dowler surrendered to OU police Oct. 5. Police have said he confessed to participating in the crime during police interviews after his arrest.
Dowler will appear in court for arraignment today.
After today's arraignment, Dowler will return to court Dec. 7 for a hearing and then Dec. 17 for his jury trial, according to court records. Ely will return for a hearing Nov. 16 and then Dec. 17 his jury trial. As of 5:30 yesterday, both remained in the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail.
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Frank Thomas
