NOT GUILTY: Man accused of attempted escape appears in court

December 18, 2012

COLUMBIA CITY — A man accused of two felonies pleaded not guilty in the Whitley County Circuit Court Monday morning.Charles Norris, 29, of Cromwell, was accused of attempted escape, a Class B Felony, and intimidation with a deadly weapon, a Class C Felony.

The Class B felony carries a sentence of six to 20 years in prison, with 10 years being the advisory sentence. The Class C felony carries a sentence of two to eight years, with four being the advisory sentence.
Both crimes also have a maximum fine of $10,000 each.

According to the case report, Norris attempted to escape from jail on Saturday, Dec. 8. He allegedly used a sharpened toothbrush and held it to the throat of a fellow inmate, demanding the jailer to give him the keys. Whitley County Sheriff’s Department jailers were able to bring the situation under control.

Norris was already serving time for probation violation. He is scheduled to appear in court again on Jan. 14, 2013.