By Steve Webb
American Staff Writer
John "Big John" Gojkovich made an appearance in court last Thursday during a bail reduction hearing.
Gojkovich was arrested in December and charged with three counts of child pornography. He has been in the Jackson County Jail since his arrest on $250,000 bond.
But that bond was reduced to $25,000 on Thursday by Judge E. Dan Kimmel, after he heard testimony from two character witnesses and arguments from Gojkovich's Public Defender Bruce Berry and Jackson County State's Attorney Mike Wepsiec.
When the hearing began Berry called his first character witness and asked several questions. One of the questions asked was whether the witness had ever heard or seen Gojkovich do anything against the law. Her answer was, "No sir."
The second witness was asked if she knew of Gojkovich ever doing anything remotely illegal? She replied, "No".
Wepsiec cross examined both witnesses, and asked one if the charges against the defendant were true would it change your mind? She replied, "Yes".
After the witnesses completed their testimony both attorneys presented arguments.
Berry argued that the amount of the original bail was too much for the charges filed. He then asked Kimmel to reduce bail to a $5,000 recognizance bond.
Wepsiec said that he did not disagree that the original bond was high. But he argued that Gojkovich had no job, home or family in the area, and asked that bond be reduced to $25,000.
Shortly after hearing both arguments, Kimmel said that the purpose of bond was to insure appearance in court, not as a punishment. But he followed by saying that the court cannot in good conscience grant a recognizance bond. He then lowered bond to $25,000.
Gojkovich is due back in court on May 20, for a case management conference.
