Bond set, but Middie still in jail

Standout athlete who has been jailed since May 13 says he wants to graduate.

Dwayne Hunter, Jr. stands in front of Judge Mark W. Wall for his arraignment on charges of assault and unlawful restraint at the Middletown Municipal Court Wednesday, May 13, 2009 in Middletown, Ohio.

Staff photo by Nick Graham Dwayne Hunter, Jr. stands in front of Judge Mark W. Wall for his arraignment on charges of assault and unlawful restraint at the Middletown Municipal Court Wednesday, May 13, 2009 in Middletown, Ohio.

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By Lauren Pack, Staff Writer Updated 2:11 AM Saturday, May 30, 2009

HAMILTON — Middletown High School football and track standout Dwayne “Deejay” Hunter Jr. has spent the past 17 days in jail after allegedly violating his bond agreement.

A Butler County Common Pleas judge on Friday, May 29, set a $25,000 bond for the senior, who told the judge he wanted to graduate with his class. However, as of early today, he remained in the Butler County Jail.

Hunter, 18, was charged earlier this month with assault and unlawful restraint, both misdemeanors. He is accused of assaulting a 17-year-old former girlfriend and holding her against her will inside the Middletown Ramada Inn on May 9.

When he appeared in Middletown Municipal Court on May 13, Butler County Sheriff’s deputies were waiting to take him into custody on a bench warrant for violating his release on a felonious assault charge stemming from an unrelated Jan. 12 BB-gun shooting incident.

Attorney Frank Schiavone, who is representing Hunter on the felonious assault charge, told Judge Andrew Nastoff on Friday: “He wants to take his exams and graduate from high school with his class. That is more important than a college football career or an NFL career.”

Schiavone asked the judge to set a reasonable bond, indicating Hunter would agree to electronic monitoring and house arrest.

“It is his desire right now to be in school or home with his family,” Schiavone said.

Hunter’s parents and members of the community were present at the hearing. Schiavone said many people have stepped up to help the young man who has a 3.4 grade-point average.

Hunter told the judge he lacks just an English credit to graduate and wanted very much to graduate. Middletown High School graduation is June 8.

Nastoff set a $25,000 cash or property bond. He also denied Schiavone’s request to allow posting of 10 percent of that bond for release. Nastoff also ordered Hunter to be fitted with an electronic ankle bracelet and to be under house arrest rules should he be released from jail.

“My concern here is a young man who has had at least one contact with juvenile court that there is an indication it is of a similar nature of the one now pending in municipal court,” Nastoff said.

The felonious assault case was continued until 1 p.m. June. 12. Schiavone said there possibly may be a resolution to the case at that time.

Hunter is scheduled to appear June 17 in Middletown Municipal Court or a pretrial hearing on the misdemeanor assault charge.

“It is my hope he will be out to attend graduation,” Schiavone said.

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guess these hunters cant stay outta troubles..there was a case where a 16 yr old punk was in jail for beating a man in town . word is this is the cousin of dee jay hunter..but guess this will be hidden too since he a 16 yr old ...just like dj when he was in troubles for breaking in the girls door..so we wont hear all aboutr that ... guess that will be covered up ...too..send em both up ..

more troubles
4:26 AM, 7/11/2009

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when is dis gonna be over wit..waste of taxpayers money and my taxes and every other hard working person in town..

get dis over
4:10 AM, 7/11/2009

REPORT ABUSE

when is dis gonna be over wit..waste of taxpayers money and my taxes and every other hard working person in town..

get dis over
4:09 AM, 7/11/2009

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