Second person pleads not guilty to charges in assault

Kelly Byer

The second person indicted in the assault of a Kent State graduate student pleaded not guilty yesterday to one count each of obstructing official business, a fifth-degree felony, and assault, a first-degree misdemeanor.

Hallie E. Nuspl, 21, of Akron was arraigned in front of Judge John Enlow at 2 p.m. at the Portage County Common Pleas Court in Ravenna.

Nuspl was arrested on Feb. 8 at around 1:30 p.m. and was released from the Portage County jail after posting a $20,000 personal recognizance bond at around 2 p.m., according to court records.

Nuspl’s pre-trial hearing was set for 9 a.m. July 9 and her trial was set for 9 a.m. July 13 in front of Judge John A. Enlow at the Portage County Common Pleas Court.

The other person indicted in the assault, John H. Ragin Jr., 21, of Akron pleaded not guilty to felonious assault Feb. 5 at his arraignment. His pre-trial hearing is scheduled for March 30 and his trial is scheduled for March 30. Both trials will be heard by Enlow at the Portage County Court of Common Pleas.

The assault occurred at 2:30 a.m. Jan. 23 by 108 S. Water St. near the intersection of West Main Street.

White, a 28-year-old graduate student and Iraq War veteran, received head injuries and was transported to Akron City Hospital.

— Kelly Byer