Hot Springs man withdraws plea

During a hearing held Monday, Anthony Henkel opted to withdraw his guilty plea to a felony count of partner or family member assault, following Judge Molly Owen’s decision to not follow the plea agreement. As the parties had reached the plea agreement prior to the omnibus hearing, Henkel had the choice for Judge Owen to decide the sentence or to withdraw his guilty plea and proceed to a jury trial. Judge Owen reinstated Henkel’s not guilty plea and set this matter for jury trial on June 12, 2023.

After reviewing Henkel’s criminal history in the presentence investigation report, Judge Owen had informed the parties at the sentencing hearing on December 13 that she was going to reject the plea agreement. The report had shown that Henkel had numerous partner/family member assault charges in his past, which included other incidents with the victim in this case. County Attorney Naomi Leisz had informed the court that she was going to request to deviate from the plea agreement, as the information regarding Henkel’s criminal history was unknown prior to the presentence investigation. Judge Owen continued the hearing to Monday in order to give the parties time to explore their options.