Omnibus order for Jordan Bowers signed; trial to commence on March 21

Bowers’ attorney claims that the defense will be “general denial” of all charges

After three attempts in the courtroom, the omnibus order pertaining to the charges of identity theft levied against Jordan Bowers, the biological mother and prime suspect of missing 6-year-old Oakley Carlson, has been signed.

Bowers, who is currently being held in Grays Harbor County Jail, was present for the hearing via Zoom as the order was given to presiding Judge David Mistachkin. When asked by Mistachkin what the defense will be, Bowers’ attorney, Michael Nagle, claimed that it would be “general denial.”

According to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, a general denial defense is when a defendant intends to “in good faith to deny all the allegations of a pleading.”

Following the presentation of the omnibus order, the hearing wrapped up quickly as there were no statements pretrial motions, or substantive matters that were brought up by Nagle or Prosecuting Attorney Richard Petersen. With no resolutions brought forward, Bowers will face trial for identity theft.

“I’m always willing to talk resolution your honor, but I’m not sure there’s any room for it right now,” Nagle said during the hearing.

Despite the multiple attempts to get the omnibus order signed, the trial will still commence at 8:15 a.m. on March 21 as was previously scheduled when Bowers was arraigned in January. Trial readiness is still scheduled to be held at 8:15 a.m. on Monday, March 13.

While no charges have been levied against Bowers for the disappearance of Oakley, Bowers faces anywhere between 63 to 84 months in prison if found guilty of defrauding multiple individuals.

Contact Reporter Allen Leister at 360-463-3572 or allen.leister@thedailyworld.com

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