Sewell Bond Hearing Update

Arrested on December 7th and charged with Theft by Deception and Falsification of Public Records, Steve and Cheryl Sewell were scheduled to have their bond hearing last Thursday, January 12th in Annex West at 35 West Church Street. The couple, however, filed an O.R. (own recognizance) Bond on January 5th. According to legal-dictionary.com, when a person or persons accused of a crime files an O.R., a judge may allow the accused “to be free while awaiting trial, without posting bail, on the defendant’s own promise to appear and his/her reputation.” Further, “In minor crimes, traffic offences, and technical law violation such as leaky septic systems, judges routinely grant release on one’s own recognizance.” However, the charges in the Sewell case extend beyond minor crimes. In a recent conversation with FYN, Magistrate Judge LaSandra Cooley said an O.R. Bond essentially waives the monetary bond and allows the accused to be free until a set court date. Initially, The Sewell’s bond was set at $25,000 each.