The preliminary hearing and bond reduction hearing for a Minot woman charged with luring a minor has been reset by the court to allow her to complete an application for a public defender.

Amber Halena Boothe, 49, Minot, was arrested and charged with four felonies in January after an investigation into communications she allegedly sent to a minor.

According to court documents, a parent of the victim contacted law enforcement having viewed sexually charged communications between the victim and Boothe on the victim’s phone. Boothe faces charges of use of a minor in a sexual performance, a Class A felony; promoting a sexual performance by a minor, a Class B felony; and possession of certain materials prohibited and luring a minor by computer, both Class C felonies.

Boothe appeared before North Central District Judge Douglas Mattson on Thursday for a preliminary hearing, arraignment and a bond reduction hearing on the charges, as well as another preliminary hearing for misdemeanor charges of possession of a controlled substance-methamphetamine and possession of paraphernalia.

Mattson noted Boothe had filed an application for indigent defense services, but it had been denied due to being incomplete, but elected to move forward with the preliminary hearing. A Minot Police detective testified for the state regarding her investigation, and her report was introduced as an exhibit to establish probable cause. Boothe protested acceptance of the document.

“Absolutely not. I did not say this. I object to this. That’s way off. That’s not what was said. This is outrageous. It is horrific and it’s disgusting. There’s kids at all times with me. There’s no way. This is not how I would talk,” Boothe said.

Mattson cautioned Boothe that she would not be testifying at this time, but Boothe grew emotional and began swearing, leading Mattson to briefly suspend the hearing so she could compose herself. After Boothe returned to the courtroom, Mattson ordered the proceedings to be reset for May 9 on both matters, including the requested bond reduction hearing to afford her more time to apply for a public defender.