Woman accused of taking baby arraigned
Roni Trammelle charged with second-degree kidnapping
By Katie Pizza
Argus Observer
Sunday, May 4, 2008 2:38 AM PDT
Nyssa - A Nyssa woman arrested for removing an 11-month-old Adrian baby from a home was charged with second-degree kidnapping at her arraignment Friday.
Roni Monique Trammelle, 41, appeared on closed-circuit television in a Malheur County courthouse to hear her charges.
Judge Patricia Sullivan informed the court of Trammelle’s other pending charges.
“The earlier charge involves child neglect,” she said. “The newer charge is kidnapping.”
Malheur County authorities arrested Trammelle a short distance from the baby’s family on Monday.
The sheriff’s office said Trammelle had only met the family a few days prior to the incident.
The baby’s mother went to Nyssa and left the child in the custody of the child’s older brother, who informed Trammelle she could not take the baby in the moments before she left with the child.
Sullivan informed her the arraignment would allow Trammelle to receive a pre-trial conference date.
“At the pre-trial conference, you can talk about your case and see if you can resolve it without a trial,” she said.
Sullivan then asked the prosecuting attorney if he had any concerns about her release.
“This is a measure 11 offense,” Prosecuting Attorney Jason Munn said.
A measure 11 offense includes kidnapping as well as crimes such as arson, rape and robbery.
Second-degree kidnapping carries a minimum sentence of five years and 10 months.
Munn then requested bail be set at $50,000. He also said the victim’s mother should be informed if Trammelle were to be set free.
“She has a right to know,” he said.
Sullivan then continued to discuss the dates of the two hearings.
“Can we have the dates happen pretty soon?” Trammelle asked.
Sullivan said the dates would happen quickly.
“You’re going to get fast dates because you’re incarcerated,” she said.
Trammelle’s pre-trial hearing is scheduled for 10:15 a.m. May 16.
