A 49-year-old Centralia man accused of violating a no-contact order over the weekend made a preliminary appearance in Lewis County Superior Court Monday.
Benjamin R. Hardy was charged with one count each of residential burglary, domestic violence, and violation of a court order with two prior convictions.
The residential burglary charge, a Class B felony, carries a maximum punishment of up to 10 years in prison and $20,000 in fines. The protection order violation is considered a Class C felony punishable by up to five years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
According to court documents, on Nov. 22, a Centralia police officer was dispatched to a residence in response to a caller who wanted Hardy removed from the premises.
While en route, the officer received notice from dispatch indicating Hardy had been issued a court order prohibiting him from contacting the caller or her residence.
When the officer arrived, the caller reportedly answered the door. Hardy exited the residence. He was arrested and booked into the Lewis County Jail at about 2:16 p.m. Nov. 22.
The probable cause affidavit filed by the Lewis County Prosecutor’s Office states that Hardy has been involved in 101 criminal cases and has prior felony convictions for harassment in 2022 and 2016, second-degree burglary in 2022 and first-degree burglary in 2013, along with earlier felony and misdemeanor convictions.
During the preliminary hearing, Senior Deputy Prosecutor Brad Meagher referenced Hardy’s extensive criminal history before requesting a bail of $75,000 cash or bond.
Defense attorney Rachael Tiller noted Hardy’s bail was previously set at $10,000 upon his booking and asked the court to maintain that amount. Tiller also questioned how many of the 101 cases included infractions or lesser offenses and said a lot of the matters Meagher mentioned were quite aged.
Judge Paul Strophy said bail was appropriate to ensure the defendant would both show up to court and follow the court’s orders. He granted the state’s request for $75,000 cash or bond.
Because a current no-contact order is already in place — the one Hardy allegedly violated — Meagher did not ask the court for an additional court order protecting the alleged victim. Standard conditions of release already prohibit contact with alleged victims or witnesses.
Hardy is scheduled for an arraignment on Nov. 26. Joseph Paul Enbody is assigned to represent him.
