Judge denies bond reduction for Maltese man accused of killing Mt Morris woman and unborn baby – Shaw Local
OREGON – A judge in Ogle County has denied a Maltese man’s request to reduce his ties as he is awaiting trial on charges of killing a Mt. Morris and her unborn son in 2020 and then set fire to their home to hide the deaths.
Matthew T. Plote, 34, from Malta, appeared in court on Friday afternoon with his defense lawyer John R. Kopp, of Geneva, before Judge John B. Roe for the hearing to reduce the bonds.
Plote is accused of killing Melissa Lamesch, 27, of Mt. Morris, and her unborn son on November 25, 2020, and then set fire to her home to hide their deaths.
Lamesch’s baby was due to be released on November 27.
Plote faces four counts of first-degree murder, three counts of premeditated homicide of a unborn baby and one each of residential arson, aggravated domestic battery and concealment of homicide death.
Kopp filed a motion earlier this month asking the court to reduce Plote’s $ 10 million bond to $ 500,000 because he was a career firefighter, a lifelong resident of DeKalb County and was not at risk of flight.
On Friday, Kopp reiterated that argument and said Plote had cooperated with police early in the investigation and did not try to escape despite knowing he was being investigated.
“He has strong ties to the community. He has no history of violence and claims his innocence, “said Kopp, adding that his client was ready to wear a GPS tracking unit and give up his passport.
In custody at Ogle County Correctional Center since his arrest on March 8, Plote appeared in court wearing the standard orange jumpsuit and with handcuffs and a leg wrap. His family and friends sat in a row in the public sitting area of the courtroom, while Lamesch’s family, friends and colleagues lined up two rows behind them.
“The bond is set properly,” said State Assistant Attorney Heather Kruse. “The charges are against the murder of two individuals. We are concerned that there is a risk of flight. “
Kruse said it was “obvious” Plote was a danger to the community as he was also charged with arson that was intended to “hide homicidal deaths.”
Roe said although a bond report had indicated that Plote was “low risk” and had “little or no criminal history” the nature of the charges was highly taken into account in his decision.
“He’s charged with 10 charges and two deaths, one being a unborn baby,” Roe said. “There is a risk of flying. I weigh all these factors and put more weight on the circumstances. I will reject the reduction of bonds. “
Members of the Lamesch family and co-workers were relieved when Roe made his decision.
“The road was tough,” said Deanna Lamesch, Melissa’s mother after the court hearing. “It’s hard to see and expect the wheels of justice to turn.”
Melissa was a daughter, sister, aunt and godmother, and the unborn baby, Barrett, was a grandson and grandson, Deanna Lamesch said. The 28-year-old family home… a lifetime of memories along with our hopes and dreams for Melissa’s future have been lost, along with “a beloved cat of the shelter.”
“We lost all these things two days before Barrett was born, the day before Thanksgiving and on the 17th birthday of Melissa’s youngest sister,” said Deanna Lamesch. “How do you get back from that? And the truth is, these things are not lost. They were taken from us. “
Rachel Sitkiewicz, a close friend and co-worker of Melissa Lamesch, carried two photos of Melissa and a picture of Barrett’s footprint.
“We are very grateful that the judge did not approve the reduction of the bail,” Sitkiewicz said. “I think the main thing is grateful.”
They know the case is far from over, but the judge’s decision gives them hope, she said.
“It’s very early,” Kopp said after the hearing. “It simply came to our notice then. Our client maintains his innocence of these accusations. “
Plote’s next court date is June 3, at 1:30 p.m.
Melissa Lamesch was found at around 4:30 pm after firefighters responded to 206 S. Hannah Ave in Mt Morris where they encountered loud smoke and blaring smoke detectors. She was found on the kitchen floor and was pronounced dead at the scene, despite life-saving measures.
She graduated in 2011 from Oregon High School and EMT with a Trace Ambulance Service in Tinley Park.
Prosecutors have yet to offer a possible motive in the case, but said Melissa Lamesch and Plote knew each other before the murder.