Teens facing charges get lower bonds in Meck Co. than neighboring county

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A group of teens accused of stealing cars and breaking into cars and homes in two counties have very different bonds.

Some are in jail under $500,000, while one had a $5,000 bond.

Crime has been soaring this year in Mecklenburg County, and some blame the system making it easier for suspects to get out of jail.

"That's why crime is on the increase and continues to increase in Mecklenburg County," said Marcus Philemon, who is with Courtwatch.

The group of volunteers monitors and holds the courts accountable.

Zsaquan Burris, Jaylen McIlwaine, Cedric Roary and Jacob Christian were arrested for numerous break-ins in Charlotte and Cabarrus County.

Burris’ bond was $31,000 in Mecklenburg County and once he got out, Cabarrus County deputies arrested him for a similar charge.

A Cabarrus County judge set his bond at $450,000.

McIlwaine was charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, which is a very serious offense. His bond in Cabarrus County was set at $200,000.

Roary faced the same charge in Mecklenburg County and his bond was set at $5,000.

"Do you think Mr. Burris would go back to Cabarrus County and commit a crime if his bonds are being set at $450,000, and he has to sit in jail while he awaits his trial, or do you think he's more likely to come to Mecklenburg County and commit a host of crimes?" Philemon said.

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Cox Media Group