Bond Reduction Granted Mesnard

A reduction in bond has been granted local resident Byron Mesnard so he can find another attorney.

The 20-year-old Mesnard has pleaded guilty to aggravated discharge of a firearm in an incident last September outside Mesnard's home along the Funkhouser Road.  Another man was wounded in the incident.

In the meantime, Mesnard's attorney Scott Ealy began duties today as Chief Assistant State's Attorney so can no longer serve as counsel to the defendant.  The reduction in Mesnard's bond from $500,000 to $450,000 frees up money for Mesnard to hire another attorney.  10% of Mesnard's bond, or $50,000 had been posted in cash.

Also during the hearing, David Rands of the State's Attorney's Appellate Prosecutor Service was appointed special prosecutor in the case, since Ealy is now a member of the state's attorney's office.

Mesnard is due back in court April 10 when Mesnard's new counsel could be introduced.  That could also be the date for a sentencing hearing to be scheduled.