A kidnapping charge against Joshua Duane Butler, 38, of Wetumka, was dropped following a preliminary hearing in McIntosh County District Court on Nov. 14.

Two other charges, including one count of running a roadblock and possession and distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, also were dismissed by Spe- cial District Judge Brian McLaughlin.

However, Butler was bound over for trial on six other charges, including possession of a firearm during a commission of a felony; endangering others while eluding/ attempting to elude police; one count of running a roadblock; battery/assault and battery on a police officer; possession of a firearm after a former felony conviction; and possession of a sawedoff shotgun/rifle.

The Wetumka man is scheduled to appear in court at 9 a.m. on Dec. 20 for arraignment and to enter a plea.

Butler was arrested on Aug. 22 following a high-speed chase with deputy sheriffs that reached 100 miles an hour.

He initially was charged with kidnapping his brother, Aaron Butler, and Layton Douglas Flud II, 53.

A probable cause affidavit filed by Investigator Kevin Branscum, who is with the District Attorney’s Office District 25, stated Joshua Butler kidnapped his brother Aaron and Flud in an effort to determine if Aaron had an affair with Joshua’s girlfriend, Felicia Whitetree, 41, of Wetumka.

Joshua was hit with multiple charges, but then investigators also filed charges against Flud and Whitetree.

Whitetree was charged with distribution of a CDS including possession with intent to distribute; also, with possession of a firearm after a former felony conviction and possession of a sawed-off shotgun/ rifle. Those charges were dismissed on Oct. 3 because of a lack of subject matter jurisdiction, which was based on the McGirt ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court which prohibits Native Americans allegedly committing crimes in Indian Country from being tried in state district courts.

Flud, 53, of Hanna, was charged with two counts of possession of a controlled drug with intent to distribute and obstructing an officer.

On Oct. 4 he pled guilty to the charges and was sentenced to drug court. If he fails to complete drug court, he faces the possibility of seven years in prison.