By BRIAN BIGELOW
Guest Writer
Nathan and Mary Vossler, former APSU students, are scheduled to appear in court March 11, for felony charges originating from incidents occurred in Emerald Hill Apartments, in October.

“We’re currently in the process of preparing for the settlement date that’s approaching and are entering into negotiations with the district attorney’s office,” said Jacob Mathis, Mary’s attorney.

During a settlement date, the state and the defense attempt to reach a plea agreement, said Assistant District Attorney Arthur Bieber. If no agreements are reached, the cases will proceed to trials by jury.

Nathan and Mary Vossler are currently being held in the Montgomery County Jail, where they have been since October.

Their bail has been set at $50,000 and $25,000, respectively. To date, neither of the Vosslers have posted bond.

On Oct. 3, 2009, Nathan business economics major, was arrested for allegedly confining a 6-year-old girl in his residence at Emerald Hill Apartments.

According to the police report, after locking the door to the apartment, Nathan allegedly removed the girl’s jacket and shoes. The police report also alleges that the girl was permitted to leave only after beginning to cry.

Nathan has been charged with “especially aggravated kidnapping” a class A felony, punishable by up to 25 years imprisonment, if convicted.

Days later, Nathan’s wife, Mary, a French major at APSU, was arrested for allegedly setting a fire within the apartment she had shared with her husband.

“The fire was an incendiary fire with no accidental cause found,” according to the police report.

Mary has been charged with “aggravated arson”, a class A felony, punishable by up to 25 years imprisonment and “vandalism” with damages in excess of $10,000 a class C felony, punishable by up to six years imprisonment.

Probable cause to justify prosecution has been assessed in general sessions court and again by a grand jury.

Mitigating and exacerbating factors insufficient for a defense can influence the ultimate sentencing, if convicted, as well as the plea agreements offered.

For instance, lack of prior criminal offenses while not a defense can be used to support the argument that a defendant is unlikely to commit further crimes.

“Our criminal justice system is set up to deter as well as punish,” said Mathis.

Charles Bloodworth, Nathan’s attorney, declined to comment.