Houston set for arraignment

An Ottawa man accused of kidnapping his girlfriend last month is expected to enter a plea in court today.

Leviticus Houston, 29, was arrested June 9 and charged with aggravated kidnapping, aggravated battery, intimidation of a witness, assault, misdemeanor battery, criminal damage to property and several other charges.

Houston’s arraignment — at which time he’s expected to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty or not contest — is scheduled for 2 p.m. today at Franklin County District Court.

During Houston’s preliminary hearing earlier today, his girlfriend testified that on June 5, Houston threatened to stab her with a pen while she drove her vehicle to a bank in Baldwin City. Houston wanted her to withdraw $500 from her bank account to pay for a vehicle, she said.

Afterward, Houston drove her to a pond in Franklin County and threw her in, she said. When she tried to climb out of the pond, Houston kicked her face and hands until she fell back into the water, his girlfriend said.

On the way to the pond, Houston’s girlfriend said he wrapped her neck with a seatbelt until she gagged.

During a preliminary hearing, the state presents evidence and a judge decides whether a case will continue based on that evidence