A Louisville judge ruled a pastor will not be reimbursed a $70,000 property bond he forfeited when Vernon Jackson fled his attempted murder trial in May shortly before a jury decided they couldn’t reach a verdict and a mistrial was declared.
Jackson was charged in connection with a shooting that left a man in critical condition in 2021.
On June 6, Jefferson Circuit Court Judge Annie O’Connell expressed sympathy for David Fortney, who paid the bond for Jackson’s release, but ruled he took on the responsibility for Jackson to appear in court and he fled before the trial had ended.
However, O’Connell ruled that If Jackson turned himself in within 10 days, she would reconsider her order.
Jackson was arrested June 20, two weeks after O’Connell’s ruling.
Attorney Jan Waddell, who represents Fortney, argued on Wednesday that since Jackson was back in custody within 10 business days, the judge could grant a motion to return the bond.
But O’Connell ruled that she included weekends when talking about 10 days, and that Fortney had nothing to do with Jackson being back in custody.
She said she hoped had Fortney would be able to help in getting Jackson to turn himself in.
Officers pulled behind Jackson on Taylor Boulevard and Lynnhurst Avenue and he fled, according to a police report. After a short police chase, Jackson allegedly left the vehicle and was found hiding in bushes.
He was charged with fleeing from police, possession of marijuana and driving without a license. Jackson has pleaded not guilty.
Prosecutors are retyring Jackson on charges of attempted murder, assault and being a convicted felon in possession of a handgun. His next court hearing is scheduled for August 28. His bond is now $250,000 cash.
Source: WDRB
You must be logged in to post a comment.