Holley’s pre-trial to be held on Wednesday

Henry Palattella

Former Kent State football star Hate Holley’s trial will officially begin this Wednesday with the pre-trial hearing.

Holley was arrested on Nov. 4 on a charge of first-degree kidnapping, which had allegedly happened the night before. The state initially wanted Holley’s bail to be $100,000, but Judge Barbara Oswick of the Portage County Court of Common Pleas lowered it to $50,000 due to Holley’s strong ties within his community, his achievements in school and because it was his first run-in with the law.

Holley alleged kidnapped an unnamed female Kent State student and held her against her will at the Campus Pointe apartments, according to the Portage County Sheriff’s office.

It was at this point that Holley was put on a GPS monitor, and was also required to report to Oriana House, an alcohol and chemical dependency treatment center, in Akron. Holley was told by Oswick that he was to have no contact with the alleged victim.

Holley was then supplemental indicated on Dec. 31 on a charge of felonious assault — a second-degree felony — and a charge for which Holley appeared before Portage County Common Pleas Court Judge Laurie Pittman on January 10.

It was at this hearing that Pittman granted the removal of Holley’s GPS so he could go to Minnesota to train for the NFL combine. Holley must notify the state of Ohio 48 hours before his return to the state so the victim can be notified.

Pittman also stressed the importance of the no-contact obligation, as Holley and the victim been in contact through text messaging and Snapchat, which she did because she was concerned of what would happen if she did not keep in contact with Holley, per the prosecution.

Holley’s trial is set to start on Jan. 24. 

Henry Palattella is the sports editor, contact him at [email protected].