One of three defendants in the Jasmine Block abduction case appeared in court Tuesday, July 10, for a contested omnibus hearing.
Steven Powers, 21, Mankato, faces charges of kidnapping, criminal sexual conduct and false imprisonment.
Jasmine Block gained national attention after police say she escaped from three men while being held captive for nearly a month. She disappeared from her Alexandria home in August 2017.
Rather than calling witnesses in during the contested omnibus hearing, Douglas County Attorney Chad Larson said he submitted briefs, which are basically 19 different exhibits, into evidence for both the defense and the judge to review.
The defense has until July 27 to submit any briefs or rebuttals to Larson's briefs. He will have until Aug. 3 to respond and then the defense will have until Aug. 10 for further rebuttals.
ADVERTISEMENT
No other court dates have been set for Powers.
The other two men charged in the case have upcoming court appearances. Thomas Barker, who faces two counts of kidnapping, two counts of criminal sexual conduct, second-degree assault and false imprisonment, is scheduled for a pre-trial hearing on Friday, Aug. 3. Joshua Holby, who pleaded not guilty to two counts of kidnapping and false imprisonment on Jan. 11, is scheduled for a pre-trial hearing on Friday, Sept. 7.
