Press Release  Hamilton Kidnapper Arraigned in Salem Superior Court

Hamilton, Massachusetts — Abigail Hanna, 21, of Topsfield, was arraigned in Salem Superior Court today for kidnapping, breaking and entering in the nighttime, assault and battery on a child resulting in bodily injury and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon on a child under 14.  A plea of not guilty was entered on her behalf.

An Essex County Grand Jury indicted Ms. Hanna on those charges on March 31, 2016.  The arraignment moves the case from the District to the Superior Court.

Judge Thomas Drechsler ordered her held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing.  Before that hearing can be scheduled, the Court must determine if she is competent to stand trial.  A preliminary hearing to determine where the defendant should be held while the case in pending is scheduled for April 25 at 9:00 am in Salem Superior Court.  The defendant will be present for that hearing.  A full competency hearing is scheduled for May 18 at 2:00 pm.  In the meantime, Ms. Hanna remains held at the Worcester Recovery Center.

The defendant is represented by Attorney Susan McNeil and is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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