DETROIT – "Remember when we were in the sidebar, and I told you all what you could and couldn't do on my record?" the judge asked the defense Friday. "Okay. Thank you."
It was supposed to be a routine hearing, but nothing about the Charlie Bothuell case ever seems to go as expected.
At moments on Friday, the indigency hearing became tense.
"You indicated in your bond hearing that your client is working," the judge said to Charles Bothuell IV's lawyer. "He has money that he has the ability take care of himself. You are going to have to convince me that your client is indigent."
Back in June, the story of missing Charlie captivated the whole country. The boy was reported missing, but days later was found hidden in his own basement.
Both Bothuell and Charlie's stepmother, Monique Dillard-Bothuell, pleaded not guilty to torture and child abuse charges.
Today, their lawyers argued that their clients are running low on money and need help covering their legal expenses.
"She doesn't own a home," Dillard-Bothuell's lawyer said. "She doesn't own a car. No tangible assets."
Judge Holmes says some expenses will be covered for Dillard-Bothuell, but not for her husband.
Dillard-Bothuell's attorney had nothing to say as they left the court house.
Bothuell's lawyers say this case ruined his life, separating him from his family and home and causing his healthcare business to take a hit.
"Why would anyone want to work the guy accused of the most horrible thing you can do, torturing a kid," his lawyer said. "They're running him through the mud."
The preliminary hearing is set for March 27.