Pomona Casey's robbers back in court

One of two Ottawa men jailed in a robbery at the Pomona Casey’s last week likely will stay in jail a little longer, after a judge refused to lower his bond.

Both Andrew Brandon Beauchamp, 24, and Michael Lynn Powell, 51, remain in jail after an Oct. 11 arrest. Each is charged with aggravated robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, aggravated assault and theft. Each is being held on $20,000 bond.

The charges stem from a robbery Oct. 10 at Casey’s, 135 W. Franklin St., Pomona, when a man entered the store and displayed a knife, according to a sheriff’s department report.

Powell, through his attorney, Gerald Powers, asked at a court hearing Wednesday to have bond reduced by half, to $10,000. Powers argued Powell is not a threat to society, despite a conviction of attempted assault 16 years ago and an ongoing, unrelated case involving possession of drugs.

But County Attorney Heather Jones argued Powell is “a huge risk to this community” because of his past and current cases that include felony driving under the influence, escape from custody and assault on a law enforcement officer.

Magistrate Judge Kevin Kimball denied the request to lower bond.

Both Beauchamp and Powell are expected to appear in court at 2 p.m. Thursday. Beauchamp is scheduled for a preliminary hearing, although Jones said that could be continued because of a conflict. Powell is scheduled to discuss the status of his case.