Sottile Witness Free In Georgia

AVON PARK - Quintin Jerome Kinder, expected to be the key witness in the trial of Joshua Altersberger, 20, has been set free by Georgia law enforcement authorities, even though Highlands County officials had requested he be held until they could bring him back here.

Kinder, 22, who lived last year at 1800 Melady Ave., Sebring, was a passenger in January 2007 when Altersberger's car was stopped by Trooper Nick Sottile. Police allege Altersberger shot the Highway Patrol sergeant, who died at the scene between Lake Placid and Sebring.

Kinder ran into an orange grove, so he was charged with misdemeanor trespassing into a posted horticultural property. He was returned to his native state of Georgia to face a violation of probation charge.

Assistant State Attorney Steve Houchin said Friday he understands how Kinder was accidentally set free in Georgia. He was transferred from one prison to another, and on their paperwork the first prison left off the hold the Highlands County Sheriff's Office had requested.

"No, I'm not happy it," Houchin said. But there was a problem anyway, he explained.

The maximum sentence for misdemeanor trespassing is one year, and Kinder probably has served more than that amount.

Although Houchin doesn't completely trust Kinder, he is confident that Kinder has no reason to run, and he has been in contact with a Georgia probation officer.

"She knows where he's at. Both she and he are available, and he is ready to assist us in the trial," Houchin said.