Photo: Nicholas James Foti
A nude man arrested in late February after trying to kick in the doors of three homes appeared in Baxter County Circuit Court Monday.
Forty-one-year-old Nicholas James Foti, who lists an address in Thousand Oaks, California, on jail records, entered a not guilty plea to the charges against him in his initial appearance before the court.
He was ordered to reappear Monday to report on his success at obtaining representation. He had told the court he intended to hire a private attorney.
On Monday, Foti told the court he had not had time to make arrangements for an attorney to represent him, because he was having problems getting cable TV installed at his home.
His arrest came Feb. 20, after Mountain Home police responded to reports of the nude male attempting to force his way into residences in an area along Fuller Drive and Ivy Lane.
Police reported finding Foti unclothed and lying on the ground.
One victim told police Foti attempted to force his way into his residence, but he was able to shut and lock the door. He said he armed himself and followed Foti to another residence, where he attempted to kick in the door.
The victim said he told Foti to stop what he was doing.
Seeing the firearm, Foti is alleged to have taunted, “Ain’t nothing but a cap gun, and I’m going to take it from you.”
The victim told police Foti then charged at him, and he fired a warning shot in the air.
After figuring out the victim was armed with a more lethal weapon than a cap pistol, Foti quickly gave up, got on the ground and stayed there until police arrived and cuffed him.
He is charged with three counts of criminal intent to commit residential burglary and indecent exposure.
According to court records, Foti was freed after a local bail bond company put up a $20,000 bond.
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