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Judge sets $300,000 bonds with GPS/house-arrest conditions in alleged robbery-related matters
Summary
The court set bonds of $300,000 in each charged case for Jeremiah Branch, citing danger to the community and repeated probation-related offenses; the judge ordered GPS-enabled house arrest if bonds are posted.
The 252nd District Court set bonds of $300,000 on multiple matters charged against Jeremiah Branch after the prosecutor urged the court to deny bond due to the nature of the offenses and alleged ongoing illegal drug use.
Prosecutor Mr. Smith argued the defendant had failed several drug tests, had new robbery allegations while on probation and presented a danger to the community. Defense counsel requested bond and, when the judge asked, Branch described his financial situation: he reported receiving about $1,000 per month in disability, no car ownership and that he lived with his mother. The court also elicited medical information about seizures and current medications in the jail setting.
After reviewing the probable-cause affidavits and the probation files, the judge said the underlying offenses and the proximity of new allegations to prior probation placements supported a finding that Branch presented a danger and set bonds at $300,000 on each case. The judge stated conditions that, if bond is made, include house arrest and a GPS device and indicated case settings for appropriate hearings would follow.
Defense counsel was instructed that if other counsel is hired they should file motions to substitute in; otherwise Mr. Parker will remain on the files. The prosecutor noted that if the bond amount appears excessive, a post-setting challenge could be pursued at the appropriate time.
