Trial set for Anderson amidst new bail jumping charge
Tawny Anderson, 38, Coon Rapids, Minn., is slated for trial, following a hearing April 7.
Anderson faces two counts of Manufacture/Deliver Amphetamine (<=3g), Possession with Intent to Deliver/Distribute a Controlled Substance On or Near a Jail; two counts of Deliver Illegal Articles to Inmate; and one count of Possess With Intent to Deliver-Amphetamine (>10-50g), Possession with Intent to Deliver/Distribute a Controlled Substance On or Near a Jail.
The charges stem from an incident in July 2019, where Anderson is accused of concealing and bringing methamphetamine into the Chippewa County Jail.
Anderson also faces a Felony Bail Jumping charge, as part of another case.
“I have not received an offer, at this time, on the older case,” said defense attorney Robert Thorson.
Thorson also asked what the state’s bond position is for the new bail jumping charge. State representative Scott Zehr requested that the $3,000 cash bond in place from the other charges apply, noting half the amount is already posted.
“Is there any way we can have a reduction in my bond, please?” asked Anderson, adding she can’t afford it and has been in jail for 27 days.
She requested a higher signature bond, or lowering the bond to $2,000, so she would only need $500 more than what was already posted. Thorson agreed the $1,500 balance seems excessive beyond her means.
“I’m looking here, there’s been at least two or three warrants authorized,” said Judge James Isaacson.
Zehr agreed that Anderson has not had a great track record of coming to court, listing numerous times Anderson missed or showed up late to court dates since Nov. 2018, and noted she was extradited from Minnesota once.
“The state requested somewhere in the neighborhood of $5,000-$10,000 at a bond hearing,” said Zehr. “The court ordered $3,000.”
Zehr says the state still feels the bond should be set at a higher amount, especially since Anderson did not comply with pre-trial monitoring.
Anderson says she understands that it does not look good that she has not made it to court, but said she has been in an abusive relationship. She said she is out of that relationship now.
“There will not be a problem anymore, because I can now focus on myself,” said Anderson.
Anderson also said she completed six months of treatment, which is why she was away and unable to come to court. She said she is missing her after-care programs by being in jail.
Thorson said there are factors that sound like it would make it more likely that Anderson appear for court.
“And, unfortunately, things that haven’t changed, is she has made zero effort to appear for court or comply with pretrial monitoring,” said Zehr.
Since the original charges are nearing two years old, Isaacson said the case should be put on the trial calendar.
Anderson also waived the time limits for her preliminary hearing for the bail jumping charge.
A status conference for Anderson is set for Wednesday, May 19, followed by a trial Tuesday, May 25, at the Chippewa County Courthouse.
