LOCKPORT - A man who worked as a part-time bouncer at the now-defunct Finnan's, a Lockport bar, pleaded not guilty in Niagara County Court Wednesday to beating up a patron Jan. 8.
Charles J. Bootes, 57, of East Avenue, Lockport, was indicted on charges of second- and third-degree assault. Assistant District Attorney Claudette S. Caldwell said the victim, Philip Dearborn, suffered a broken jaw that had to be wired shut. Surgery to insert a plate in the jaw was considered but so far hasn't happened, the prosecutor told Judge Sara Sheldon Farkas. The victim also suffered a broken nose and orbital bone and post-concussion syndrome.
Bootes, who said he has a heart ailment, was allowed to remain free on his own recognizance pending further action in the case. Farkas issued an order of protection directing Bootes to stay away from Dearborn.