Part IV: To Protect and Serve: The siege on 12th street case comes to an end with plea bargain | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Publisher's Note: This article originally appeared in the Beaufort Observer.

    Gary Gautier and his family walked out of the Beaufort County Courthouse Tuesday (6-5-12) with a tremendous weight lifted from their shoulders.

    Gary is the young man who called the Washington Police Department on June 15, 2011 asking for help with a drinking problem he was experiencing. He ultimately was charged with a serious felony charge and two misdemeanor charges. These charges resulted from the escalation of the situation, that included a seven hour siege by dozens of Washington Police officers, the Beaufort County Sheriff's "SWAT" team, a bomb squad and other responders.

    The Beaufort Observer provided extensive coverage of the incident and its aftermath. You can read those, and related articles by clicking here.

    The case dragged on through several court appearances but Monday came to an apparent end with Gautier pleading guilty to two misdemeanor charges. One was discharging a weapon within the City; and, the second communicating threats. The more serious felony charge was dropped. Judge Wayland Sermons agreed to the plea that was worked out between District Attorney Seth Edwards and Greenville defense attorney Les Robinson. Gautier was sentenced to a total of 180 days in jail, suspended; with one year of supervised probation. The felony charge was dismissed "with prejudice", which means that he cannot be tried on the same charges and evidence again.

    Judge Sermons also orded the weapons that were confiscated to be returned to Gary's mother. He also issued an out-of-state work permit for Gautier to be able to fill a job out of state.

    Gary's uncle, Carter Leary was also arrested during the same incident by the Beaufort County Sheriff's SWAT team when he removed firearms from Gary's house. Carter's case was also dismissed when Judge Regina Parker became aware that Sheriff's deputies violated court orders during the trial. You can read more about that at the link above.

    Gary declined to comment to the Observer after the trial, except to say: "I am very glad this has been settled. It could have turned out much different and I am thankful that it did not. I do appreciate all of the support I have received, particularly from my family, during a very trying situation. I'm just glad it's over."

    Gary's father, Robert Gautier, who along with Gary's mother, have stood by their son throughout the ordeal, and did so literally in court Tuesday, said: "We will sleep better tonight for the first time in a long, long time. It is difficult to express how much we have all suffered in this ordeal. I, like Gary, am relieved it is over. We all learned a lot in this; and, hope no one else will ever have to be subjected to what Gary was subjected to when he reached out for help. That's all I can say right now, but I think this entire situation should be a lesson for our community. Some people may think Gary "got off light." I can absolutely tell you that is not the case. Gary had a problem on June 15, 2011 and he called the police for help. What has happened to him for the last year is beyond anything I would have ever dreamed could happen. Gary, along with all of his family, suffered tremendously as a result. I just hope it never happens to anyone else ever again."