Alleged Aspen assault suspect appears in court

ASPEN – A man who police subdued with a Taser at Aspen’s St. Moritz Lodge early Monday morning appeared in court Wednesday to answer pending charges against him.

Charles Brandon White, 28, was advised in Pitkin County District Court that he faces seven charges, the most severe being the felony count of second-degree assault, which carries 4 to 12 years in prison.

Judge James Boyd, speaking to White via television from Garfield County District Court, also advised White that he faces a felony charge of criminal impersonation and two misdemeanor counts of third-degree assault, along with resisting arrest, child abuse and domestic violence.

White’s bail was set at $15,000 cash only. White, who was without an attorney, sobbed during the hearing, once saying: “I apologize to my children, to the courts. I don’t remember anything. I’m sorry.”

According to Aspen police, White was combative and resisted arrest, and additional officers were dispatched to the scene to assist the arresting officer. White’s “violent behavior” compelled officers to use a Taser to subdue him. Several officers suffered minor injuries, according to a police press release issued Tuesday afternoon. White was taken to Aspen Valley Hospital for medical evaluation and then to the Pitkin County jail.

An arrest warrant affidavit said he struck his girlfriend at least twice in the front of his two children at the St. Moritz Lodge. After police arrived he allegedly told them that “I’m a UFC fighter, I can take you.”