Court Watching: Ralph Rosas’ bond upped to $750,000, jury trial set for Oct. 5

Ralph Rosas, 28, of Saginaw who is in jail awaiting trial for his part in the Sumpter Township roller rink stabbing and gunplay on Halloween, stood before Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Craig S. Strong on July 22 for his arraignment on the information.
The court entered a not-guilty plea to each of the four charges listed against him: assault with intent to murder, assault with intend to do great bodily harm less than murder, armed robbery, and assault with a dangerous weapon (felonious assault).
The felonious assault charge was not bound over to circuit court by 34th District Court Judge Tina Brooks Green, pending testimony from a witness that was not at Rosas’ preliminary exam. Sumpter Township Police Det. John Toth said that charge may be on the circuit court listing in error.
Rosas’ retained attorney Alan Crawford had asked District Judge Green, who presided over Rosas’ preliminary exam July 15, to reduce his client’s $500,000 or 10% bond. He said his client, who works full time, could wear a tether. Judge Green referred the bond situation to pretrial services at circuit court.
Circuit Court Judge Strong reviewed that bond recommendation and then raised Rosas’ bond to $750,000 cash or surety.
A pre-trial session is set for Aug. 20, a final conference Sept. 1, and a jury trial Oct. 5.
Conviction on the charges could bring up to life in prison.