Judge Who Oversees New Bail Program In Shelby County States That “Everybody Has The Right To Bail” Including Those Who Commit Violent Crimes
Judge Says Liberal Bail Program Is Not Responsible For High Crime Rate In Memphis.
Image Credit: tncourts.gov & WCN 24/7 – CC
The Tennessee Conservative [By Kelly M. Jackson] –
15-year-old Anthony Mason was shot and killed in front of his home on Thanksgiving Day. The perpetrators who were apprehended due the crime being captured on public surveillance cameras, were 15-year-old Connor Tucker and 18-year-old Edion White.
Both offenders were charged with 1st Degree murder. A serious crime, some would say the most serious crime a person can be charged with. Yet, both men were released on bail, at their own recognizance.
This decision was made by the presiding judge in the case, Shelby County General Sessions Judge Bill Anderson Jr..
“Recognizance release should be your first consideration… Period. On every charge except for capital offenses. Every charge,” Anderson said.
According to Court records, Judge Anderson signed off on the release of White.
According to reports, the new rules for bail include several criteria, none of which have anything to do with whether the crime committed was a violent one or if anyone was harmed in the commission of that crime.
“There are 13: length of time in the community, prior record, threat to community, failure to appear is the big one, that’s the main one. Threat to the community, is so hard to ascertain. Every crime poses a threat to the community,” said Anderson.
According to the judge, who supervises the judicial commissioners, the only exception for bail is for those charged with first-degree murder where it appears the proof is strong and the suspect may be subjected to capital punishment. This, according to Anderson, should be the only exception.
Anderson also said that even if a criminal is arrested and is let out on bond and arrested again, they can still make bail. For example, a serial car thief in Memphis was arrested and released 4 times before the SCDA’s office finally revoked their bail.
The new bail reform initiative was announced last year.
Reports indicate advocates of the bail reform said “the old system was grossly unfair to the Black community and to poor people.”
According to Shelby County DA’s office, they worked closely with the ACLU to “try and create a system that we think is fair to everyone.”
The bail reform was implemented just 7 months after the election of District Attorney Steve Mulroy. Many say his position was bought with Soros money.
Reports indicate that under the new program, defendants will now receive a bail hearing within 72 hours of arrest. For the first time in the history of Shelby County, the bail program will not be cashless, and the bail will be based a person’s ability to pay.. which is set by Judicial Commissioners – the same commissioners that Judge Anderson supervises.
Anthony Mason’s mother questioned how one of her son’s killers was released after committing such a heinous crime. It seems the answer lies with the new Shelby County DA and their “revolutionary” bail system.
Shelby County is already responsible for 30% of the crime committed in the state. With policies such as these, one wonders how long it will be before residents of Memphis demand better solutions that focus on actual public safety versus “equitable” treatment of those committing the crimes.
About the Author: Kelly Jackson is a recent escapee from corporate America, and a California refugee to Tennessee. Christ follower, Wife and Mom of three amazing teenagers. She has a BA in Comm from Point Loma Nazarene University, and has a background in law enforcement and human resources. Since the summer of 2020, she has spent any and all free time in the trenches with local grassroots orgs, including Mom’s for Liberty Williamson County and Tennessee Stands as a core member. Outspoken advocate for parents rights, medical freedom, and individual liberty. Kelly can be reached at kelly@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
Should either of those two commit another crime, hopefully not another murder, the “judge” should be charged as an accessory after the fact. If another murder is committed, the “judge” should be placed in the same cell with no bail.
The statistics of recidivism do not support this heinous bail initiative. The ACLU and George Soros bought and paid for DA’s are wrecking the criminal justice system, nationwide – Baltimore and Chicago are prime examples. Did it need some reform? Of course! But this is throwing out the baby with the bath water! I think we need new, stiff laws concerning out-of-state donors to state candidates. If you do not live here, do not have vested interest in Tennessee, you may not donate to a candidate – period. Until we remove the outside influence, take the money out of politics, Conservatives do not stand a chance!
Little doubt of his political leaning. They love criminals. Hope he and his are visited by some of them REAL soon.
That judge should be removed….and then some.
This judge is either stupid or blind as most liberals are. Innocent blood is on his hands also.
The problem is the judges that set bail very low for very bad crimes. I thought first degree murder charges were an automatic no bail charge? Unfortunately the bail system is completely screwed up as is our judicial system. I have zero confidence in our judicial system or the rule of law. There is no accountability for judges, prosecutors or lawyers.
Sounds like Illinois. Everyone deserves bail?? Letting violent offenders out is stupid. Definitely paid for with Soros money.
Your ability to pay should not be a factor in determining bail. Doing so is “grossly unfair to “ the employed tax payers who are charged with a crime. Having less to lose isn’t better.