Kidnap Suspect Matthew Hoffman Yawns in Court Appearance

Matthew Hoffman appears in court in suicide gown, bail set a $1million.

ByABC News
November 14, 2010, 1:39 PM

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio, Nov. 16, 2010— -- Matthew Hoffman, the former convict accused of kidnapping a 13-year-old girl and eyed in the disappearance of her family, yawned when he appeared in an Ohio court today via video. As a safety precaution, the suspect was dressed in a "suicide gown."

Hoffman, 30, remained silent when charged in court for kidnapping Sarah Maynard, 13, and holding her prisoner in his basement, bound and gagged.

The suspect did not enter a plea. He looked down through much of the hearing, even yawning at one point.

Hoffman's public defender Bruce Malek said his client was unemployed, but had previously worked as a seasonal tree trimmer.

The judge set bail at $1 million and scheduled an additional hearing for next Tuesday.

If convicted of kidnapping, Hoffman could face a 10-year prison term. Authorities have indicated Hoffman could face additional charges.

Hoffman wore an-anti suicide gown made of a heavy material, intended to keep inmates from killing themselves with their own clothes. Knox County Sheriff David Barber said Hoffman had indicated he was contemplating suicide and was placed on suicide watch.

Police believe may have also played a role in the disappearance of the girl's family. Her mother Tina Herrmann, 32, brother Kody Maynard, 10, and family friend Stephanie Sprang, 41, who were last seen Wednesday at the family's home in Herman, Ohio, some 10 miles from where Sarah was found.

Authorities have searched a former gravel quarry turned into a park near Hoffman's Mount Vernon, Ohio, home looking for evidence of the three missing people. They removed two cars from a lake, but found no new evidence.

Barber told reporters today that police had discovered a Walmart reciept for tarps, garbage bags and a t-shirt at Hoffman's home. He said investigators had since found tarps and garbage bags he described as "significant to the investigation"

"We have recovered and collected significant evidence in this case," he said.