WARSAW — The start of the evidentiary portion of Dr. Mark Soto’s jury trial this morning was delayed after one of the jurors informed the court she was familiar with two of the witnesses expected to be called. The prosecution and defense, along with the judge were given time to question the juror further before determining she was going to remain a member of the jury.

Warsaw Police Chief Scott Whitaker was the first witness to take the stand before the first break, followed by Warsaw Police Lt. Paul Heaton. The defense will take its turn at questioning Heaton following the lunch break. Court will resume at 1 p.m.

During Whitaker’s testimony the prosecution ascertained his credentials and positions within the department. Tami Napier, special prosecutor, asked Whitaker about his knowledge of the Aryan Brotherhood and of Kevin Bronson. Whitaker’s acquaintance with Bronson began while a patrol officer and making an arrest in 2000. He further testified Bronson has had more than 29 incidents with the police documented with 12 arrests. Testimony also indicated there have been criminal complaints of intimidation in the past. Bronson’s knowledge of martial arts was also a known fact by police, according to Whitaker.

Whitaker also walked the court through how he came to know Mark Soto, which was not until phone calls from Bronson while incarcerated were reviewed. Additionally he noted he was contacted by Jane Wear regarding her son being intimidated by Bronson. He then went to the Dan Hampton, county prosecutor. Because a pending case against Bronson for possession of cocaine was due for sentencing, the matter was put on hold. However, several other emails were received from individuals afraid of retaliation from Bronson. However, Bronson was not sentenced to prison, instead through a plea agreement he was given credit for time served and released.

The court heard about some of the complaints lodged against Bronson and intimidation, and it wasn’t until a second arrested did the department learn about an effort to raise funds to get Bronson out of jail and out of the state where he could not be extradited.

During Whitaker’s testimony conversations with C. Aaron Rovenstine, then sheriff, were referenced and that WPD was aware of special privileges Bronson was given at the county jail. The visitation system for inmates at the county jail were discussed, to which Whitaker was not fully aware of the regulations. He also noted at that time the department had access to use the web based phone system to listen to phone calls from inmates, but that privilege no longer exists.

Photos taken by Whitaker Aug. 4, 2015, of Bronson having a visit with Mark Soto in the special visit area were presented to the court. Also presented was a photo of the regular visitation area.

During cross examination, Scott Lennox, defense counsel, sought to expand information on Whitaker’s knowledge of the Aryan Brotherhood and jail visitation as well as if officers deal differently with those under arrest based on who they are and how they act.

A report from Cory Green who stated he was in fear of his life as he was told he would be tied to a tree and raped by the Aryan Brotherhood was used by Lennox to determine if this was Bronson’s standard method of operation. Whitaker stated it was when he wanted money or a vehicle.

Heaton Takes The Stand

Heaton took the stand testifying his knowledge of Bronson and Soto. He noted he was a student at Grace College and knew Soto while a student. He also testified about his knowledge and what he had learned about the Aryan Brotherhood along with Bronson’s criminal history.

He also provided names of individuals heard mentioned in Bronson’s phone calls. These included Don Clemens, John Lowe, Nate McLauren, Doug Lemon, Torey Bauer, Dan Hampton, Don Wesiehan and Rovenstine, among others. The content in which these individuals were referenced was not stated.

It appeared the main focus of Heaton’s testimony was the money trail of funds donated to Young Dragon LLC. Using a demonstrative exhibit it showed how funds would be transferred from one account to the other and within the same day removed, mostly by Bronson. Heaton testified Bronson only had access to the corporate account. The exhibit also showed the money was transferred from one account to another by Soto.

Heaton also testified Soto did remove money from the account to allegedly reimburse himself for a trip to California. The exhibit also showed Soto taking money from his personal account and depositing it into one of the Young Dragon accounts. Donations from several individuals were also noted during the testimony. Heaton testified Bronson’s phone conversations continued to be monitored after he was transferred from Kosciusko County Jail to Marshall County Jail.

Court will resume at 1 p.m. with the defense taking over the questioning of Heaton.