Posted: 11/23/04
Suspect fighting extradition in robbery
By David Heiller
Argus News Editor
A Caledonia man has requested an attorney in an extradition case involving a burglary in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Nicholas Reed Hoff, 19, made the request before Judge James Fabian in Third District Court in Caledonia on November 19.
Hoff was to be represented by an attorney at his court appearance on November 23 at 1 p.m.
He has been charged in La Crosse County for allegedly taking part in an October 19 burglary.
Two other people, Michael Melby, who has no permanent address, and a La Crosse juvenile are accused of breaking into a manís apartment and stealing a large amount of prescription pain medication, Morphine tablets, and $12 in cash.
Melby and the juvenile are also charged with eight other counts, including armed robbery, delivery of schedule II narcotics, and misdemeanor bail jumping. The alleged victim told officers that he was taking the morphine for lung cancer. He also said he was kicked and hit in the stomach and face during the burglary.
Hoff was arrested in Spring Grove by Houston County Sheriff deputies on November 18 after a warrant was issued.
Judge Fabian told Hoff that the Houston County complaint was based on the fact that Hoff was a fugitive from justice and a matter was impending in which he was the defendant.
If Hoff had agreed that he was that person being sought, he could have waived the right to a hearing or an attorney. But he told Fabian that he wanted to see an attorney.
The judge set bail at $25,000.
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