A 26-year-old Morton man was charged with violating a no-contact order and is under investigation for possible assault, according to the Lewis County Prosecutor’s Office.
Lorenzo A. Mauga made a preliminary appearance in Lewis County Superior Court Monday to face one count each of escape from community custody, felony violation of a court order and violation of a court order constituting domestic violence.
Each charge carries a maximum punishment of up to five years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
According to the affidavit of probable cause filed by prosecutors, Centralia police arrived at Northwest Pediatric Center on Dec. 5 after a woman reported she was experiencing domestic violence “with a child” and was “unable to leave” out of fear for her and her child’s safety.
The woman had allegedly reported that “they” were going to the center for an appointment.
According to court documents, Mauga is prohibited from being within 1,000 feet of the woman due to a domestic violence no-contact order.
Officers reportedly located Mauga in the parking lot within 1,000 feet of the clinic’s lobby.
The woman allegedly told police “they had driven in to the clinic together,” and said she was living with Mauga, according to the affidavit.
The woman reportedly described multiple instances of assault committed by Mauga.
The affidavit indicates Mauga has a prior conviction for third-degree assault of the same victim, which resulted in a sentence that included 12 months of community custody.
On Aug. 11, Mauga allegedly failed to report to the Department of Corrections (DOC) as directed.
The defendant was also convicted in Lewis County District Court of violating a court order protecting the victim, according to the affidavit.
The affidavit states that the current alleged violation — his third — constitutes a felony charge.
During the preliminary hearing, Senior Deputy Prosecutor Scott Jackson requested a bail of $100,000, saying, “We believe that there’s a great deal of concern for the victim’s safety (and) community safety.”
He added that the defendant had “previously assaulted this victim,” allegedly violated the protection order, and was not in compliance with his community custody.
“More importantly, there’s investigation that’s going on about the assaults that are laid out in the affidavit of probable cause,” Jackson said. “Those weren’t charged yet, but the state believes that additional investigation is ongoing.”
Jackson asked the court to enter separate no-contact orders on behalf of the alleged victim and the child.
Defense attorney Rachael Tiller said that Mauga had asked for consideration of either a personal recognizance release or unsecured bail and noted there was already a DOC hold.
“If bail be required, we’re asking for no more than $25,000,” Tiller said.
She added that Mauga had struggled to find work and had just been employed at the “industrial park.”
The attorney said Mauga had informed her that he was “actively involved” in treatment.
Commissioner Cailen L. Cecil said the defendant presented a “likely danger to interfere with witnesses,” and added she was concerned he wouldn’t follow the court’s orders and could commit a violent crime.
The judge cited the allegations that the defendant had committed assault in violation of the no-contact order while in community custody as reasons for imposing bail.
“It doesn’t matter even if she consents to having contact; that’s not a legal defense,” Cecil said.
The judge set bail at $50,000 and entered the two pretrial no-contact orders on behalf of the alleged victim and the child. She also entered an order for Mauga to surrender any firearms.
Mauga was scheduled to appear for an arraignment on Dec. 11, with Don Blair assigned as his attorney.
