REPORT: Bond reform working while critics say it misses the point
HOUSTON โ Harris County is under federal court order to reform its misdemeanor bail bond system to prevent defendants charged with mostly nonviolent crimes from languishing in jail. Now, a year after full implementation, a study supervised by Duke University Professor Brandon Merritt said itโs working with many fewer misdemeanor defendants languishing in jail. It also noted increases in violent crime canโt be traced to bail reform. โNo one has ever had any problems or issues with misdemeanor bond reform,โ said victim advocate Andy Kahan with Houston Crime Stoppers. โThe revolving door at the courthouse surrounding felony defendants who have been repeatedly released on multiple felony bonds has played a significant role in the increase, particularly the murder rates.
Houston man released on several bonds now in federal custody
HOUSTON โ A Houston man has been indicted on federal charges following his release on eight bonds while facing numerous charges in Harris County. Court records show Opoku was released on several bonds while facing charges, including capital murder and possession of child pornography. A bond violation report dated Aug. 17 noted Opoku was placed under the supervision of Harris County Pretrial Services on June 26. Before a hearing could be held on whether to revoke Opokuโs bond, he was hit with federal charges and taken into custody. This is the third time KPRC 2 reported on a person released on multiple bonds in Harris County, who is then later hit with federal charges.