Accused murderers request bond reduction

Three men accused of a Milford murder this spring await a judges' decision on bond reduction after appearing before Dickinson County Court Monday morning.

John Allen Swan, 30, of Crossett, Ark.; Scott Thomas Adair, 29, of Crossett, Ark.; and Michael James Friedrichs, 29, of Forest City are being held in the Dickinson County Jail on $750,000 bond.

They are charged with first-degree murder, following a fight April 4 outside a gentleman's club in Milford. Investigators think Swan, Adair and Friedrichs inflicted "severe injury and bleeding to the face and head," which ended the life of Matthew Thomas Begtrup, 25, of Sioux Falls.

Each of the men entered a written plea of "not guilty" on April 28. A trial is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23, at the Dickinson County Courthouse.

The three men, through their attorneys, asked the court for a reduced bond during Monday's proceeding. They told Judge Patrick Carr the lower bail would help them assist in their own defense and help them support their families.

Swan's attorney is Pam Wingert, and Adair was represented by Michael Johnson. Friedrichs has selected Edward "Ned" Bjornstad and Jack Bjornstad. Assistant County Attorney Jon Martin represented the state in court.

"The defendants are entitled to presumption of innocence through all stages of these proceedings," said Ned Bjornstad during Monday's hearing. "The bail is currently excessive."

Assistant County Attorney Jon Martin pointed out that the court needs to consider several factors for bail, including the safety of other persons, the nature and circumstances of the crime, family and community ties and criminal record.

"The bail is appropriately set," said Martin, who brought the judge copies of all three men's criminal records. He also pointed out the men were in town for temporary work with Blattner Construction working on wind turbines. Their opportunity to return to these jobs has not been confirmed available, should the men be released on bond.

Adair and Friedrichs took the witness stand to support their request for bond reduction

Friedrichs reported that he did not know either of the other two defendants prior to working with them at Blattner Construction. He is not married and has no dependents. His criminal history includes assault, driving under the influence on his behalf.

Swan did not take the witness stand during Monday's proceedings, however his mother testified that he has two children, ages 10 and 3 and has custody of his 10-year-old son. She said that she and her son have had discussions and he agreed to comply with restrictions placed upon him.

Judge Carr said he would issue a written ruling on the bond reduction "in the near to immediate future."