HUTCHINSON, Kan. – The state has refiled a case against a Wichita area man after they earlier dropped that charges on technical grounds, this as the case against Steven Beranek was scheduled to go to trial.
Berenek was in court Wednesday morning with his Wichita attorney, Charlie O’Hara where he was once again read the formal complaint by District Judge Joe McCarville.
He is now charged with one count of human trafficking, aggravated battery, criminal threat, domestic battery, criminal restraint and misdemeanor battery.
The first charge accuses him with human trafficking between May 2011 and June 2013. the other charges occurring in Jan. and June of 2013.
The adult female victim in the case was allegedly held against her will on a farmstead here Reno County. She at some point was able to get free and showed up at a restaurant in the county. Police and sheriff officials then began the investigation which was made more difficult because of her inability to speak English.
Beranek is also alleged to have battered a 14-month-old child in this case.
With the state refiling the charges, a new preliminary hearing will be held in the case. Berenak is free on bond and appeared after being sent a notice to appear.