Judge won't lower bail for suspected drug salesman

A 23-year-old Minden man was jailed on $250,500 bail Wednesday charged with drug trafficking and obstructing an officer.

Mickey Demartini appeared in East Fork Justice Court on Thursday sporting a black eye and demanding to know why Judge Jim EnEarl wouldn't release him on house arrest.

"The state thinks you were selling coke hand over fist," EnEarl said. "They think they have you on tape doing it. They think they have a whole bunch of officers watching you doing it."

Demartini "swore on my father's grave" he wouldn't flee the area.

"I have a good job and a beautiful home," said Demartini, a carpenter. "I am not going to leave my family high and dry."

Prosecutor Mike McCormick said Demartini had prior felony convictions and a history of resisting arrest.

"We think he is a danger to the community and a risk to flee the area. If he thought so much about his family, he wouldn't be selling drugs in this community. If convicted, he will go to prison for a significant time."

According to court documents, Demartini is accused of selling one-quarter to one-half ounce of cocaine on three occasions.

EnEarl appointed Derrick Lopez to defend Demartini and set a hearing for Nov. 1.