Meeker man accused in toddler's death released from the Lincoln County jail after making bail

Thursday, December 22nd 2005, 6:05 am

By: News On 6

CHANDLER, Okla. (AP) -- A Lincoln County judge reduces the bail of a Meeker man accused of killing his 2-year-old stepdaughter, paving the way for his release from jail Wednesday.

Special District Judge Dawson Engle lowered Michael Porter's bail from $1-million to $250,000, and Porter's sister put the family business up as collateral.

Porter is accused of striking Kelsey Smith-Briggs in the abdomen October 11th at their home, causing her death. He's been jailed since his October 20th arrest.

Kelsey's mother, Raye Dawn Porter, told authorities that the child was asleep and in Michael Porter's care when she left their home to pick up Porter's daughter, Whitney, from school.

Engle also delayed Porter's January 6th preliminary hearing at the request of prosecutors, who sought more time to look at investigation reports in the case. Prosecutors and defense attorneys are now set to meet with the judge January 27th to discuss the case's status.

Porter had to surrender his passport and must report daily to a pretrial release program.