Dr. Mark Soto

WARSAW — The prosecution rested its case late Monday afternoon with the defense calling its first witness, Dr. Mark Soto, to finish out the day’s testimony. Soto will continue on the stand Tuesday morning being questioned by the state.

Soto testified how he met Bronson, how he began working with him on a regular basis and meeting Bronson’s father several months later. He also testified Bronson had given him general outlines of his life numerous times, but no details of his involvement with the mafia and Aryan Brotherhood. His testimony additionally dealt with the arrangements between Sam Bailin, Bronson’s father, and himself for continued counseling.

Other testimony revealed phone conversations with Bronson were not uncharacteristic of what was heard in court Friday. His early demands were Soto contact his father. “There were occasions I would comply,” Soto stated, noting that was the case on many instances.

Testimony from Soto indicated he continued to counsel and be a mentor to Bronson due to a promise to Bronson’s father and no one was beyond redemption. Soto said he had been threatened by Bronson more than once and related one instance. He described Bronson getting “keyed up” — his face contorted, eyes changed, jaw and fist clenched and his face shaking. “I believed I was looking at a demonic force and the spirit of God was greater … ,” testified Soto.

“If you challenged him you would see an escalation,” Soto stated and to defuse it he would stand and listen while staring at him until he was able to talk to him after the emotion abated. He stated at times working with Bronson it tested his faith, was very trying and very troubling.

Additional testimony focused on threats from Bronson to Soto and his family; funds Soto had given of his own to pay for the California trips and use of his credit card for such, asking if he could be reimbursed; writing judges to reduce Bronson’s bond, but also informing the court of violations by Bronson; of being threatened by Bronson, giving funds to Young Dragons to keep those involved safe; sending emails to David Baker that were dictated by Bronson as to the threats and what needed done; and how he never communicated with members of the Aryan Brotherhood.

Earlier in the afternoon, Bronson, under direct order by Special Judge Stephen Bowers was ordered to provide the nicknames of Aryan Brotherhood individuals Soto met after a specific date. Because that was in the guidelines Bronson was allowed to provide, he testified those individuals were: Bowser the liaison with Bikers behind Bars, Tim, or Terrible Tim and to Pat, known as Jaguar. He also stated only Terrible Tim was part of the national and international council.

It was during further questioning both Bronson and Lennox were admonished by the court for their comments and editorializing, with the arguments between the two continuing when Lennox attempted to find out if Bronson would go to the department of corrections if his plea was not accepted or he was not accepted into work release or community corrections.

The final witness for the state was Tyler Silveus who had given $143,578.32 to Young Dragons, from January 2013 through January 2014. It was noted $84,012.50 was given out of fear. “I started trying to help Kevin, that turned into fear … things had to happen … .”