Judge reduces bond to $1,500 for D'Anthony Gortley after defense requests cut

A judge in Bexar County set bond at $1,500 Friday for D'Anthony Germante Gortley after the defense asked the court to reduce his originally set $7,500 bond.

The court declined to grant a personal-recognizance bond, saying the judge was constrained by governing law. "I'm not allowed to give him a PR bond for harassment of a public servant. Those are not my rules," the judge said from the bench. The judge said the court would consider a reduction instead and invited the defense to present evidence.

Defense attorney Robert Ramirez called Gortley to testify about his finances. Gortley said he had tried to make the $7,500 bond but lacked resources: "Honestly, I don't have any funds right now. Like, I would have to reach out to my people and see what they will be able to come up with, but I wouldn't be able to even tell you a number," he told the court.

The state opposed a full release on personal recognizance. Dr. Whitlock, appearing for the State of Texas, said the original $7,500 amount was appropriate for the offense and that the state did not believe an agreement to reduce bond had been reached.

After hearing testimony and argument, the judge reduced bond to $1,500 and ordered that, if released, Gortley "should have no residing with minors." The judge also advised that counsel could return immediately if they were unable to secure the new bond amount.

The court noted the procedural constraints that limited the availability of a PR bond for the charged offense but allowed the defense's request to reduce the monetary bond instead. Defense counsel said he could present further evidence if the court desired.