POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY, Okla. (KFOR) — A man accused of sexually assaulting multiple underage girls appeared in court on Friday, and his own mother is warning the public about the potential danger he still poses.
Brandi Green stated that Friday’s court appearance was the first time in over a year she had seen her son, 21-year-old Brinden Ponkilla.
“He’s still my son, and I love him, but what he did is wrong,” Green said.
Ponkilla faces accusations in a series of sexual assault cases. He was arrested in late September and released on bond, but after more victims came forward, he was handcuffed once again.
During the hearing, his attorney requested a lower bond, but Green opposed this, stating it should not happen.
“He does not need to bond out and put the public in danger or any of these victims in danger,” said Green.
In an effort to raise awareness, Green created a Facebook page showcasing the alleged victims of her son, some as young as 14.
“I just wanted to make people aware, and people came forward on their own,” Green explained.
Ponkilla’s attorney argued that lowering the bond would allow his client to assist in his defense outside of jail rather than from within.
However, prosecutors described Ponkilla’s crimes as “serious, violent, and dangerous.”
“The public needs to be safe,” Green emphasized. “I never realized how much overwhelming evidence there was and how many victims there were.”
Green is determined to hold her son accountable for his actions.
“Hopefully something will get done,” she said.
The judge reduced Ponkilla’s bond from $250,000 to $150,000, and he bonded out of jail just hours later.
His preliminary hearing is scheduled for next month.
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