Judge Long Hayward continues Johnson case to June 2, lifts bench warrant and clears inmate after payment

Judge Tammy Long Hayward opened the Clayton County State Court jail calendar in Courtroom 304 on May 5, 2026, and announced the first case on the docket: Reginald Antonio Johnson, who faces three petition cases. The judge granted a short continuance to allow counsel to coordinate on pending matters and potential resolution.

A defense attorney told the court they had recently represented Mr. Johnson on a plea and that one petition alleges a new offense in Clayton County that may not yet be before the court. The defense attorney asked for two weeks to check the status of the new case, confer with family contacts and with Miss Chang, and attempt to arrange services or a negotiated resolution. "I would probably say start with 2 weeks," the defense attorney said.

Judge Long Hayward agreed to a brief continuance to allow those efforts. Court staff later clarified the matter is continued to June 2.

Court staff informed the judge that a bond-related payment for Maisha Love had been paid in full on May 1. "That was paid in full on May 1," a court staff member said; the judge acknowledged the payment and indicated Ms. Love was free to go.

Separately, defense counsel informed the court that a defendant identified as Mr. Rafael missed a scheduled trial after leaving to retrieve insulin in Riverdale and estimated the round trip at about 40 minutes. The defense attorney said Rafael had called only after court had concluded. When counsel asked whether the bench warrant could be withdrawn, Judge Long Hayward responded, "I'll lift the bench warrant. Do a bench warrant set aside."

The judge noted that trial operations involve multiple participants—state prosecutors, the clerk's office, court reporters, deputies and probation staff—and that when trial calendars end, personnel often pivot to other duties. After brief administrative clarifications, the judge closed the short calendar and reminded those present that it was Cinco de Mayo and urged safe travel and use of ride-share services.

The court did not take any further formal action on plea offers during the session; counsel was invited to confer with the state if a plea remained an option. The calendar was recessed with the listed continuances and administrative dispositions in place.