LISA MARCHESONI, Senior Writer
Posted: Tuesday, February 10, 2009 9:48 am

Marvin Maple is escorted out of court by Deputies Joe Rigsby and Reggie Primus and attorney Greg Reed.

Grandfather Marvin Maple will begin preparing for a preliminary hearing March 17 after his kidnapping case was continued Tuesday in General Sessions Court.

Maple, 73, of San Jose, Calif., was charged with kidnapping grandchildren Christi and Bobby Baskin, ages 8 and 7 respectively, March 1, 1989 from their Rutherford County home. Sheriff’s Lt. Bill Sharp and Sgt. Dan Goodwin arrested him last Wednesday in San Jose.

Attorney Greg Reed, who represents Maple, told acting Judge Howard Wilson he wanted to continue the case. Both Reed and Assistant District Attorney Allen Hale agreed on the March hearing date.

“There will be time to put his story forward then,” Reed said.

Maple remains in jail on $1 million bond. After the hearing, Reed said he plans to file a motion to reduce bond.

After a custody battle with the Baskins, Maple and his wife, Sandra, were accused of abducting the children. They were on the lam until Feb. 2 when Maple complained about a newspaper story written about the case. Two women identified him from the story and conversations.

The Baskins flew to California in hopes of being reunited with their children but did not meet with their children.

Mark Baskin asked people to pray for the family.