In the News

Judge Denies Bond Reduction for Etheredge

by Cliff Judy (WICHITA, Kan.)
Eye Witness News 12
May 8, 2009

The founder of Wild West World took the stand Friday asking a judge for the chance to be set free, but the Kansas Security Commissioner said Thomas Etheredge is a flight risk. The judge agreed.

Etheredge is charged with 10 counts of securities fraud related to his failed amusement park in Park City. Prosecutors say he misrepresented his finances and got more than $800,000 from investors. They also say he funneled investor money through his own bank account to make it appear he was investing his own money.

Etheredge offered to hand over his passport and only have limited travel if the judge would reduce his $1 million bond.

Kansas Securities Commissioner Chris Biggs pointed out Etheredge left the country several times in the last year, and he had to be arrested in Canada in the 1980's for a previous fraud charge.

Etheredge has been convicted of fraud three times. Biggs said he has the ability to raise money and already has business contacts abroad.

"Mr. Etheredge is one cab ride and one plane ticket away from not having to answer to these charges," said Biggs.

In keeping the bond at $1 million, Judge Ben Burgess cited the previous fraud convictions and the fact Etheredge left the country even though he knew he was wanted in the U.S.

Etheredge is scheduled back in court on May 18 for his preliminary hearing. The judge will then decide if there's enough evidence to send the case to trial.

Update: 4:05:

Judge Ben Burgess says the affidavit against Etheredge is 32 pages long...much longer than the standard criminal affidavit and far more detailed.

Judge Burgess cites Etheredge's three prior convictions and prior publications showing Etheredge was aware at some point he was wanted, yet stayed outside the country.

Judge denies motion for reduced bond...bond will stay at $1 million.

Update 3:50:

Etheredge is off the stand and his attorney says he has no more evidence to present.

Biggs says he has one brief witness, a special investigator from the Kansas Securities Commission.

The special investigator presents a letter from a couple outside San Antonio.

The couple has a connection to the alpaca farm where Etheredge has been working, but it's not the family that runs the farm.