KOOTENAI — A man from Kootenai was arraigned and released Thursday for charges related to a domestic abuse incident.  

Steven Geronimo Brown, 42, appeared for his arraignment via Zoom from the Bonner County Jail, where he was officially read the charges against him — attempted strangulation and domestic violence with infliction of traumatic injury.  

Brown entered a not guilty plea to the charges.  

After the arraignment was finished, Brown’s legal counsel requested a bond reduction or release on own recognizance.  

District Court Judge Susie Jensen agreed to release Brown after concluding that he was not a flight risk, did not have major past convictions and was not a threat to the victim.  

When an individual is arrested and released on their own recognizance, they are released from jail without paying bail. The defendant is required to sign a written promise stating that they will appear in court for future hearings and trials, and that they will not commit any further crimes.  

According to court documents, Brown was charged with two felony charges after police became aware of the alleged abuse by way of a 911 call. A probable cause affidavit indicates that the pair were in a verbal disagreement over information on Brown’s phone.  

The argument escalated when Brown allegedly pinned the victim down in an attempt to strangle her, according to court document. The files also contend that law enforcement observed “red marks on [her] right cheek/chin and on the left side of her neck near her throat.” 

If convicted of the crimes, Brown could face up to 25 years in jail and/or a $60,000 fine.