Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Loren Anderson, who’s accused of running down his live-in girlfriend on Highway 281 and purposefully colliding with her vehicle, now also stands accused of witness tampering and violating bail conditions.
In documents filed with the Southeast Judicial District on Oct. 12, the prosecution lists multiple text messages which they argue prove Anderson has broken the law while still behind bars.
As a result, Judge James Hovey has increased Anderson’s bail to $5,000 cash. His previous bail would have allowed him to be released for $500 cash.
Anderson has been held at the Lake Region Law Enforcement Center since Sept. 29, when he allegedly crashed into his girlfriend’s vehicle head-on just north of New Rockford on Highway 281.
Court documents allege that, since then, Anderson has sent damning text messages that show he’s a flight risk and should be considered a threat.
“The Defendant should be considered armed and dangerous and that he is actively making efforts to be in and/or remain in possession of firearms upon his release,” state court documents.
“While the Defendant has texted extensively about selling his firearms, he has instructed the victim, D.O. to leave his ‘9mm at house for our own protection’ and to inquire about purchasing said guns back after an auction he believes will occur this month … .”
Additionally, court documents allege that Anderson not only sent text messages asking his girlfriend to prostitute herself in order to raise enough money to bail him out, but also actively engaged in witness tampering.
“When he mistakenly believed a restraining order was in place prohibiting him from contacting D.O., he instructed someone else to contact her on his behalf,” court documents state. “He has conspired with her to lie about the events of the night of this incident and even requested someone track his phone in her possession to monitor her whereabouts … A report will be provided to the State’s Attorney for charging out any violations of law.”
As of press time, no additional charges had been added to those Anderson already faces.
He is currently charged with reckless endangerment and terrorizing, both Class C felonies, as well as domestic violence and aggravated reckless driving, both Class A misdemeanors.
On Oct. 12, Anderson pleaded not guilty to both misdemeanor charges, and a preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Nov. 11, after which he’ll enter a plea for the felony charges if the prosecution can prove probable cause for each charge.
The maximum penalty for each Class C felony is five years imprisonment, a fine of $10,000, or both. And each Class A misdemeanor carries a maximum penalty charge of 360 days imprisonment and/or a $3,000 fine.
Along with his bail being increased to $5,000 cash, Anderson has also been ordered not to have any contact with the alleged victim.
Anderson is considered innocent unless proven guilty.
