COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The last of the four suspects accused in a case that has shocked, frightened and angered area residents were formally arraigned Tuesday afternoon.
Matthew Toole of Battle Creek and Talia Furman of Springfield appeared via video conference in Branch County District Court from the Calhoun County Jail where they were being held after being arrested last month for the alleged sexual assaults of a three month old girl and a three year old boy.
They along with Jayme LaPointe of Athens and David Bailey of Coldwater are charged in connection with a plot to kidnap, rape, and kill a randomly selected child at a county fair.
Bond for Toole and Furman was also set at $5 million which equals the bonds set on Monday for LaPointe and Bailey.
In the unlikely event bond is posted, both were ordered not to have any contact with minor children. District Court Judge Brent Weigle said the court had great concern for the public’s safety after reading the Michigan State Police affidavit. He added he has not seen a case like this in his 32 year law career.
Toole and Furman were found to be indigent. Judge Weigle appointed J.Richard Colbeck to serve as Toole’s attorney, while Ryan Bucklin was appointed as Furman’s attorney.
All four defendants have been charged by the Michigan Attorney General’s office with conspiracy to commit kidnapping, first-degree criminal sexual conduct, and murder.
Probable cause hearings were scheduled for October 4, 2018. Preliminary exams are set for October 11.
