Wymore Man Faces Multiple Felonies In Jefferson and Gage Counties

A Wymore man facing drug and assault charges was arraigned on two cases in Jefferson County Court the afternoon of Wednesday, October 30, 2024. Linda Bauer was the presiding judge.In the first case, Robert L. Watson, age 57, is charged with five counts alleged to have occurred on June 23 of this year:Possession of methamphetamine, a class 4 felony punishable by up to two years in prison, nine to 12 months of post-release supervision and a $10,000 fine;Driving under a suspended license, a class 3 misdemeanor punishable by up to three months in jail and a $500 fine;Driving without proof of insurance, a class 2 misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine;Driving without a license, a class 3 misdemeanor; andPossession of drug paraphernalia, an infraction that carries a $100 fine.A sixth charge was later added after the defendant failed to appear for court on July 24 . Failure to appear is a class 2 misdemeanor. In a second case, Watson charged with four counts alleged to have occurred on October 3, 2024:Third degree assault of a peace officer, a class 3A felony punishable by up to three years in prison, nine to 18 months of post-release supervision and a $10,000 fine;Obstructing a peace officer, a class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine;Second degree criminal trespass, a class 2 misdemeanor; andFirst offense resisting arrest, a class 1 misdemeanor.According to the Warrantless Arrest Affidavit, “I informed Watson that he was trespassing and would be going to jail. I attempted to place Watson under arrest and grabbed his wrist while he was walking out of the building's east door. Watson began pulling away. Once outside, I grabbed Watson's right wrist and informed him that if he continued pulling away, he would go to the ground. Watson again pulled away. During this, Watson stated, "Let go of me." I retrieved my handcuffs and radioed the Jefferson County Communications for an additional unit.”According to the deputy, while attempting to restrain the defendant, “Watson began striking toward my face and chest area with both closed and opened fists.”The deputy indicated the defendant then fled on foot. Once the caught up to Watson, he was allegedly non-compliance, at which point the deputy deployed his department-issued taser at approximately 8:35 p.m.The defendant was then placed under arrest. Per the deputy, “Watson refused to be evaluated by medical staff.”Watson requested court-appointed counsel and Public Defender Scott Gropp was assigned to represent the defendant on both cases.Another hearing is scheduled for November 13, 2024. On the morning of October 30, also pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance, a class 4 felony, in Gage County District Court.Sentencing is scheduled for December 18, 2024.

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