(Spirit Lake)– Trial for a Spirit Lake man accused of holding a woman against her will is being delayed.
Judge David Lester has granted a state motion to continue the trial for Wade Gardner to January 22nd, 2002. It was originally set for November 27th. The state requested the additional time because a trial was set to start on the same day in another case. That case would be dismissed if it isn’t tried on that day. The request is also based on the county attorney recently retaining co-counsel through the Iowa Attorney General’s office. The state also wants more time for depositions. A pre-trial hearing is set for November 20th.
Judge Lester also granted a defense motion to lower Gardner’s bond from 250-thousand to 25-thousand dollars. Release is subject to several conditions: that he have no contact with the alleged victim, Deb McDonald; that he have no communications with her in any form; that he notifies authorities of where he’s living and if he moves; and that he abstain from alcohol or controlled substances without a doctor’s prescription.
County Attorney Ned Bjornstad has indicated he’s going to proceed with the case…even though McDonald recanted a portion of her story in recent depositions.
Gardner was charged with kidnapping and willful injury. He was accused of holding McDonald against her will in a basement for 11 days last summer.
