Motion to Reduce Pendergast Bond Denied

A defense motion to reduce the bond of Effingham resident Robert Pendergast was denied Tuesday in Effingham County Circuit Court.

The 57-year-old Pendergast is being held on a count of aggravated battery. He is charged with placing a choke hold on 53-year-old Corey Stice of Effingham during an incident at a home in Effingham in May. Stice later died.

Pendergast's bond was earlier set at $100,000. That figure will not change after Judge Allan Lolie Tuesday denied the motion to reduce the bond.

Pendergast is next due in court on June 13 for a preliminary hearing. No trial date has been set.