Bond set for Bismarck man in manslaughter case

(Stanton, ND) -- The man accused in the death of a Mercer County Sheriff's Deputy has made his initial appearance in South Central District Court.

42-year-old Ian Cramer appeared in front of Judge Bobbi Weiler from the McLean County Jail for a scheduled hearing Friday afternoon. After reading the charges, Judge Weiler asked the State's Attorney in the case, Todd Schwarz, if a mental health evaluation was needed -- to which he confirmed. Weiler then stated she would order a mental health evaluation before setting any further hearing dates. Those dates would be set after the evaluation is completed and the report is back to the court.

Prior to setting bond, States Attorney Schwarz informed Judge Weiler that drug charges would be filed in the coming days.

"Mr. Cramer is a multi-state offender," Schwarz told the judge. He said Cramer has an active warrant out of Texas for assault; and in Montana, where he has a negligent endangerment with substantial risk of death conviction from 2008, along with drug convictions. 

Weiler set bond at $500,000 cash.