Hot Springs man pleads not guilty

A Hot Springs man entered not guilty pleas on Tuesday to charges stemming from an alleged domestic disturbance earlier this month.

Erich Ochsner pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor charges of partner or family member assault and resisting arrest, and felony charges of assault on a peace officer and threats and other improper influence in official and political matters.

According to charging documents, Hot Springs Police Department responded to a report in which a neighbor said Ochsner reportedly “drop kicked” a female. According to documents, Ochsner allegedly yelled at and threatened police officers.

District Court Judge James Manley set bond for Ochsner at $20,000, and trial is set for Feb. 25, 2019.

Also in district court on Tuesday, Connie Keeton was found guilty of felony assault with a weapon and felony tampering with physical evidence. Keeton entered Alford pleas to the charges, meaning that while she was not admitting guilt, she believed there was strong evidence that would result in a conviction.

On June 15, Sanders County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a home in Noxon reporting that a female (Keeton) had shot at a male and then ran across the street with the gun, according to charging documents.

Judge Manley set a sentencing date for Keeton of Nov. 13.