Rand pleads not guilty

By: 
Nick Pedley

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Ronald Rand’s bond was set at $1 million last week after the Hampton man pled not guilty to First Degree Murder during his initial court appearance.
     Rand, 61, appeared before Judge James Drew Jan. 12 at the Cerro Gordo County Law Enforcement Center for an arraignment and bond review hearing. After entering the plea, Rand’s attorney, Susan Flander, requested her client’s bond be set at $10,000 and that he be released to his daughter.
     However, Assistant Iowa Attorney General Coleman McAllister countered with a request of his own. He asked Drew to set Rand’s bond at $1 million, which the judge did the following day after reviewing the details of the case.
     “We feel that’s an appropriate bond based on the facts and circumstances of this case, the nature of the charge and the defendant’s criminal record,” McAllister said during the hearing.
     Rand was arrested and charged with First Degree Murder last month after allegedly killing his girlfriend, Michelle Key, 51, of Waterloo, with a shotgun following a domestic dispute at his Hampton home. According to a criminal complaint, he admitted to the shooting Dec. 13 when police arrived on scene. Rand was originally held without bond after the incident occurred.
     During last week’s hearing, both Flander and McAllister questioned Rand about facts that could affect his bond. Flander asked her client about his family, current medical issues and employment status, while McAllister focused on Rand’s criminal history.
     Citing an uncertified criminal record, McAllister asked Rand if he was arrested in 1975 for armed robbery in California.
     “No, that was a mistake,” said Rand. “It was completely dismissed. There’s no charge there and I was never arrested.”
     McAllister then asked the defendant whether he was ever charged and convicted of assault in Arizona. Rand denied the accusation, but McAllister pushed further and asked Rand if he had any prior convictions before moving to Iowa in 1995.
     “Not that I can remember. If I was, it was a way, way long time ago,” said Rand, who appeared increasingly agitated towards the end of the hearing.
     Rand said he would live with his daughter in Klemme if he was able to post bond. However, he admitted during the hearing he had very little income and wouldn’t be able to pay such a lofty figure. He was employed part-time as a welder in Clarion prior to his arrest and also received disability payments for injuries sustained during a motorcycle accident.
     Rand remains in custody at the Cerro Gordo County Law Enforcement Center in Mason City. He was transferred there from the Hardin County Jail late last month to be closer to his attorney.
     Rand waived his right to a speedy trial at the hearing. A trial scheduling conference has been set for Jan. 29. First Degree Murder is a Class A felony punishable by life in prison.

Hampton Chronicle

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