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Trial set for Boro hostage suspects
Brower couple charged with holding attorney in his downtown office
Brower Robbie Web
Robbie Brower
    Suspects in a Jan. 16 hostage incident that gained national attention will face Bulloch County Superior Court Judge F. Gates Peed  for a trial next month.
    Jury selection for the trial of Robbie Eugene Brower, 44, and Connie Czako Brower, 45,  is slated for Jan. 22, with the trial set for Jan. 22-26, according to courthouse records.
    Each suspect is charged with four counts of kidnapping,  a charge of aggravated assault, two counts of possession of a hoax device, two counts of terroristic threats and acts, and possession of a weapon during commission of felonies.
    Robbie Brower was also charged with two counts of possession of a hoax device by a convicted felon. Both he and Ms. Brower pled not guilty May 24 during arraignment hearing.
    The incident that unfolded Jan. 16 drew reporters from national networks who stood by for over 24 hours as the Browers held Savannah attorney Michael Hostilo captive in his Statesboro office on Courtland Street.
    Brower and his wife entered Hostilo's office around 9:15 a.m. that Monday, detaining three employees temporarily, but holding Hostilo prisoner for more than 24 hours.
    Brower told police negotiators he took the attorney hostage to draw attention to what he feels is injustice regarding earlier brushes with the law, including a hammer attack case in 1995 during which Hostilo represented him.
    He told the Statesboro Herald earlier this year he was dissatisfied with Hostilo's representation and the subsequent result, which led to his conviction.
    Police said the Browers had what was initially suspected to be explosives, but turned out to be fake bombs and detonation devices as well as what Statesboro Police Chief Stan York called "pyrotechnics," or essentially, fireworks.
    Since his arrest, Robbie Brower sent letters to the Statesboro Herald declaring he was going on a hunger strike. Jail officials said he refused food at first, but drank milk several times daily, and eventually resumed eating.
    Brower also sent the Statesboro Herald letters complaining about food and conditions in the Bulloch County Jail.
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