An attempted murder suspect has pleaded no contest to a lesser charge.
Jonathan Bafford, 46, pleaded to a count of aggravated battery during a motions hearing Friday. The battery charge was an alternate to a more serious count of attempted second-degree murder filed last year after Bafford allegedly attacked a woman, who went to Newman Regional Health with a puncture wound in her back and significant bruises elsewhere on her body.
Bafford also pleaded no contest to possession of methamphetamine. Other charges, including aggravated kidnapping, were dropped as part of the agreement as were charges in a separate battery case.
Bafford has a lengthy criminal history, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections:
*In 1994, Bafford was convicted in Reno County on a count of aggravated arson dating to a case in 1993.
*In 1995, Bafford was convicted on an aggravated battery charge as part of a 1991 case.
*In 1996, Bafford escaped from custody and was convicted on that count later in the year.
*In 2006, Bafford was convicted in Seward County for aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and criminal threat.
*In 2008, Bafford was convicted of battery against a corrections officer.
Because of the nature of last year’s Lyon County incident and his criminal history, Bafford could spend over 14 years in prison for the battery charge and a year for the meth charge. An evaluation will determine whether he is housed at the Larned Correctional Mental Health Facility. He also may have to register as a violent offender for 15 years.
Sentencing is set for 9 am May 3.
