GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY — Austin Moore, the suspect charged in connection with threats made to Munson Medical Center, has pled not guilty in a Jan. 8 court appearance.
Moore, who was charged with terrorism threats against the hospital following a Jan. 5 incident that led to a lockdown.
In the Jan. 8 arraignment hearing, Moore appeared alongside defense attorney Janette Mistele and chose to waive a formal reading of the felony complaint and pled not guilty.
He also requested a court-appointed attorney due to lack of income, housing, and contact information.
Moore directly addressed his struggles with homelessness and said he could not recall a current personal phone number, address or place of employment.
“I’ve been trying to find a job and a place to be able to work,” Moore said of his circumstances.
Mistele confirmed that Moore is actively homeless, but has sought assistance from Northern Lakes Community Mental Health as well as Safe Harbor.
She asked the court to assign a bond that could be converted to a PR bond in hopes of assisting Moore in finding further mental health treatment.
Magistrate Tammi Rogers set a bond of $50,000 or cash surety with the rules of said bond being that Moore not return to Munson Medical Center, contact with any Munson Medical Center employee, no use or possession of any weapons, no threatening, intimidating, harassing, or violent behavior toward any person, be respectful of all court employees and care providers and comply with any existing mental health treatment orders and treatment plans.
He is allowed to go to the hospital only for a verified emergency.
A probable cause conference is scheduled for Jan. 21 with no time yet determined.
A preliminary examination has been scheduled for 11 a.m. Jan. 27 before Judge Michael Stepka.