Three minor children testified Wednesday in Alpena’s 88th District Court as the preliminary examination began for Frederick Bobolts, 61, who is facing multiple charges involving alleged domestic violence, assault, child abuse, animal cruelty and aggravated stalking.
The hearing concerns allegations against Bobolts, who was arraigned Aug. 3 in the 88th District Court in Alpena. He later appeared for a personal protection order violation hearing in the 26th Circuit Court in Alpena on Aug. 10 and had another 88th District Court hearing Aug. 11.
At the Aug. 11 hearing, Judge Alan Curtis increased Bobolts’ bond to $75,000 and placed him under arrest, according to The Alpena News. Court proceedings remain ongoing, and the allegations have not been proven.
Children describe alleged abuse
The children testified about allegations supporting the second- and third-degree child-abuse charges, as well as the charge of killing or torturing an animal. The News does not identify alleged victims of child abuse.
The first child testified that Bobolts, identified as the child’s father, yelled and swore frequently. The child also recalled an incident in which Bobolts allegedly struck him on the head with a ring.
The second child described an incident in which Bobolts allegedly grabbed her neck while she was playing a computer game. She also testified that he yelled frequently.
The third child testified that Bobolts grabbed the back of her neck at least once. In another incident, the child said, he poked her cheek with a finger, causing it to bleed. She described Bobolts as being angry almost all the time.
Testimony about family dog
The first and third children also testified about an alleged incident involving the family’s pet dog. Both said they were not present when it happened but later saw a broken acoustic guitar. They testified that Bobolts said he had struck the dog with the instrument.
Defense attorney Joel Bauer questioned the third child about whether Bobolts’ statement could have been dark humor. Because the child did not witness the incident, Bauer also asked whether Bobolts might have stepped on the guitar instead.
The child said she believed Bobolts was not joking and testified that he hated the dog. Bauer also questioned the first child about whether the child could tell when Bobolts was joking or serious.
Bauer asked the second child whether Bobolts had ever extended his hand protectively to stop her from entering a street, for example. She answered no.
Next hearing has not been scheduled
The preliminary examination will continue at a later date, but no date had been scheduled as of the report. The examination is expected to address the evidence supporting the charges, including multiple counts of domestic violence and assault, animal killing or torturing, second- and third-degree child abuse, and two counts of aggravated stalking.