Pleads 'not guilty' to extortion

Kyle Gaumitz, 24, Pullman, pleaded not guilty in superior court Friday morning to five charges of extortion with sexual motivation. Judge Gary Libey allowed Gaumitz continued pre-trial release, but said he had a concern for public safety because of the serial nature of the alleged crimes, and he ordered any use of computers by Gaumitz to be monitored to insure the defendant does not contact victims, other possible victims or possible witnesses.

The WSU investigation report filed March 5 with the charges against Gaumitz included a long list of contacts in which he allegedly threaten women to comply with his requests while threatening to post photos of them on the internet.

Spokane Attorney Karen Lindholdt, who is representing Gaumitz, asked for a hearing break to confer with the defendant and family members.

After the hearing was resumed, Lindholdt told the court about Gaumitz's accomplishments. She also pointed out there is no evidence that the defendant has committed any additional computer violations since police confiscated computers at his residence over a year ago.

Chief Deputy Prosecutor Dan Le Beaux confirmed no additional complaints have surfaced. He also stated the state objected to any type of house arrest order be issued in the pre-trial release because time spent under house arrest can be credited against any jail sentence Gaumitz could receive in the event he is convicted.

The judge said his only condition will be that use of any computer by Gaumitz be monitored to insure public safety. Lindholdt relayed the request to the wife of the defendant who was seated with family members in the court, and she responded "yes."