Brownwood News – Bryan Makuta Sr. plead guilty to charges of Stalking, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, and Continuous Violence Against the Family as part of a plea agreement with the District Attorney’s Office. Makuta’s hearing was held on Wednesday, July 11th, at 1:30 p.m. in the 35th District Court with Judge Steve Ellis presiding. In exchange for Makuta’s guilty plea, the DA waived a Terrorist Threat Charge that stemmed from several Facebook Live videos Makuta posted.

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Makuta was sentenced to 10 years deferred adjudication (probation) with several stipulations including: GPS monitoring for two years, 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew, counseling and mental health services, court-ordered medication administered by a physician, $3,000 fine and 300 hours of community service. He will also be forbidden to drink alcohol and unable to own any firearms. If Makuta does not abide by the conditions of his probation he could potentially face up to 40 years in prison.

Additional charges for Driving While Intoxicated, Unlawful Carry of a Firearm, and Possession of a Dangerous Drug, and Possession of Marijuana are currently pending with the Brown County Court at Law. Bonds are currently set at $25,000 each for those four charges.

Makuta was evaluated for mental health prior to the hearing and was found competent. His mental health history including two separate stays at River Crest and Oceans Behavioral Hospital for substance abuse issues were discussed during the hearing on Wednesday.

Judge Ellis asked Prosecutor Bird why the DA’s Office felt probation was appropriate given the defendant’s history. Bird explained after speaking with the victims, they hoped to see Makuta receive counseling and assistance for substance abuse and mental health issues.

“Everyone involved would like to see Mr. Makuta get help,” Bird said. Makuta testified before the judge he had plans to move to Nolan County and remarry his ex-wife. When speaking to the judge, Makuta listed his family and grandchild as reasons for his willingness to comply with the terms of his probation.

“I had a brief stint of poor judgements. I’m a good man, but I went left when I should of gone right,” Makuta told Judge Ellis. “I did some things I’m ashamed of. I have a lot of people who believe in me and I’m ready to be better.”

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June 18, 2018 – Disturbing Facebook Live videos showing a 45 year old Bangs man brandishing a loaded gun and making threats against the 3M plant in Brownwood have led to an arrest for Stalking and Terroristic Threats. Several of the threats in the videos were directed specifically towards the plant manager.

Bryan Makuta Sr. was arrested on Friday, June 15th, and booked into the Brown County Jail on charges of Stalking and Terroristic Threat. Bond for those two charges was set at $400,000. Bonds on previous charges of Driving While Intoxicated, Unlawfully Carrying a Weapon, Possession of a Dangerous Drug, and Possession of Marijuana were increased to $25,000 each. Makuta remains in the Brown County Jail in lieu of bonds totaling $500,000.

According to complaints filed with the Brown County Court at Law by Texas Ranger Jason Shea, 3M officials were notified by Brownwood Police that Bryan Makuta, a former 3M employee, was potentially violent. Corporate security personnel began monitoring Makuta’s public Facebook posts.

The videos posted on Makuta’s profile alarmed officials, and 3M hired off duty police officers to provide additional security for the Brownwood facility. Dozens of videos show Makuta to be extremely intoxicated, often brandishing a 380 Ruger LCP with a laser sighting.

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