Change of plea expected in case of intimidation

When a Jasonville man accused of intimidating another man appeared for his initial hearing last week, the court learned a negotiated plea agreement is expected and a date was set for his change of plea hearing.

Charles Wayne Wilson

Charles Wayne Wilson, 29, Jasonville, was in court last week for an initial hearing in Greene Superior Court. Wilson was charged with intimidation where threat was to commit a forcible felony, a Level 6 felony.

During the hearing, the court was advised that a plea agreement was anticipated and the court ordered Wilson to be evaluated to see if he’s eligible for an alternative sentence.

The charge stems from Wilson’s arrest by Sgt. Brian Pilant of the Jasonville Police Department on Wednesday, September 16, after a warrant was issued for Wilson’s arrest, as a result of an investigation by Deputy Camron Frye of the Greene County Sheriff’s Department.

Deputy Frye began his investigation back on August 26 when another man reported Wilson was sending him threatening text messages. Earlier that same day, Deputy Frye talked to the man who said Wilson and a third man were driving past the man’s house while yelling.

Wilson was said to need to pick up some things at the man’s residence but there was a dispute about the items and the man said he didn’t want Wilson and the third man to come back. Deputy Frye advised the man to have Wilson pick up the items in a public place. He also gave him information on applying for a protective order.

When Deputy Frye arrived back at the man’s residence to talk to him about the text messages, the deputy was shown a lengthy Facebook messenger chat between the man and Wilson. Deputy Frye said the language of the messages showed that Wilson was incredibly upset. Deputy Frye detailed these messages in a probable cause affidavit – the language was strong and threatening.

According to Deputy Frye, Wilson continued to send the man messages ridiculing him and antagonizing him to fight, suggesting a place to fight.

When Deputy Frye talked to Wilson, Wilson said things were said but he was not acting on it and he claimed the man had also threatened him.

A criminal case was filed against Wilson and a warrant issued. When he was arrested, his bond was set at $4,000 surety with ten percent cash allowed. Wilson posted $400 and was released later the same day. A protective order was issued.

Now Wilson is scheduled to be in court on October 29 for a change of plea hearing.