Alleged Savage assailants plead not guilty; bond is denied

Ordia Rollin Leaming, 26, and Dereck Joel Smith, 26, pleaded not guilty to charges of aggravated assault by accountability for the alleged beating of a Troy disc jockey.

On Jan. 30, “D.J.” Dan Savage Jr. was beaten in the parking lot of the VFW. Fellow employees at the VFW later found Savage near a vehicle and called 911.

Savage was transported to Kalispell Medical Center where he received reconstructive surgery to the left side of his face, eye socket and left ear. He remained in an induced coma for several days for his protection.

The suspects were arrested Jan. 31 after a Troy Town Pump employee reported two males bragging about the beating.

The video-surveillance footage made it possible for law enforcement to identify the two men.

Kalispell defense attorney Courtney Nolan currently represents Leaming, while Kalispell defense attorney Sean Hinchey represents Smith.

The charge for aggravated assault by accountability could mean a sentence up to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $50,000.

Lincoln County Attorney Bernie Cassidy, who is prosecuting the cases, requested Lincoln County district judge Jim Wheelis not to consider bond for the suspects.

However, Wheelis will consider a bond hearing during the omnibus hearing scheduled for March 19.