KENT COUNTY, Mich. — A Kent County man is facing multiple felony charges following his arrest Friday near a Trump rally in Walker, Michigan.
Steven Nauta, 65, was arraigned in 59th District Court Monday on the following charges:
- Count 1: False Report or Threat of Terrorism MCL:750.543m
- Count 2: Explosives-Possession of Bombs with Unlawful Intent MCL:750.210
- Count 3: Police Officer-Fleeing 3rd degree MCL:750.479
- Count 4: Resulting/Resisting/Obstruct Police Officer MCL: 750.81
Nauta is accused of driving through a security checkpoint near the Trump rally at FALK Production and telling officers that he had C-4 and that it was "the real deal." Court documents claim that he finally stopped for officers, he pulled out bags of fertilizer and threw them on the ground "to make it appear that they were explosives."
After Nauta was detained, he allegedly disobeyed officers' commands when ordered to remain on the ground. Court documents said that he "intended to make officers, and others, believe that he had explosives."
Nauta was in a holding cell at the time of the arraignment and was connected to the courtroom via Zoom. He acted erratically during the arraignment, showing his middle fingers on camera and later taking off his shirt.
"I'm going to give you this warning one time, and one time only, do not give that double middle finger salute to the camera gain," the judge warned.
The judge also had to cut Nauta off twice when he was asked whether he understood his rights and his bond.
Nauta is set for a probable cause conference on Oct. 8 and a hearing on Oct. 15. His bond was set at $1 million.
Nauta told the judge that he would likely not try to bond out, saying "Your Honor, given my situation, I think I'm better off just staying here. This is very cruel world out there. Probably a lot better off here."
His attorney said he hasn't been in trouble with the law since the early 2000s when he faced a marijuana charge. It was also said that Nauta was retired, on Social Security and divorced from his wife who he has adult children with.