This petition is to bring awareness to an unacceptable and unfair issue in the Muscogee County Superior Court circuit. There are several individuals, on probation, newly incarcerated at the Muscogee County Jail. These individuals have been held for longer than 90 days (some months/years) without being given a probation bond and probation revocation. They are just in a holding pattern (treated as if they have been proven guilty, holding their past against them) with no knowledge of when an official indictment and/or trial will come. 

One such individual is Jebre’ Howard. Mr. Howard was arrested on October 30, 2024, for false allegations from March of 2024. The current charges (based on false allegations) are the same as what he is on probation for. At the time of his previous case, Mr. Howard’s mother had been diagnosed with breast cancer, and he took a plea deal (despite his innocence) in hopes that his sentence would be served before she passed away. Unfortunately, she passed while he was serving the plea deal sentence. Since his release, he has not violated any conditions of his probation for 7 years. 

During his release, Mr. Howard has started a successful remodeling and maintenance business He is the caregiver and provider for his brother (who suffers from medical issues i.e.: CHF, blood clots, etc.), his son (recently diagnosed with diabetes and losing his eyesight) and his other children. Being held on charges for baseless allegations has prevented Mr. Howard from earning income to continue to support his family as well as fight his case. 

 The DA has been adamant about him not receiving a bond, denying him the ability to adequately fight his case and provide for his family. At the current rate, it seems like he, as well as others in the Muscogee County Jail, are on an indefinite hold until the DA deems it ready to proceed. 

This holding issue is known amongst attorneys that practice in this circuit. It is also known to attorneys that practice outside of the area with one stating “yeah, Muscogee county has some wonky things going on…”as it relates to probation bonds and holding people longer than 90 days without a probation bond or an indictment/speedy trial. 

Our mission is to highlight this injustice in Muscogee County and bring change for those that are being held over what is legally reasonable and, especially for those that have been accused of crimes they did not commit. Your signature would be greatly appreciated!