Orleans Jail Releases Second Domestic Abuser Without Ankle Monitor

Mocobizscene- Norwood Charleston, who is accused of domestic abuse, was released from the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s custody without the court-ordered ankle monitor, as reported by ASAP Release, the owner of the company.

In just a month, the OPSO jail staff has once again granted bond to a violent suspect without requiring an ankle monitor. This concerning trend has brought renewed attention to the urgent need to address potential loopholes in the system.

The number of inmates in the Orleans Parish jail is currently around 1,100, while a record-breaking 380 defendants are being monitored electronically outside of prison. Charleston, who faced charges of domestic abuse, criminal damage, and aggravated assault with a firearm, was released from custody without being fitted with an ankle monitor or providing proper notification to Release ASAP.

Matt Dennis from ASAP Release expressed his dissatisfaction, stating, “They should have contacted us before letting him go.” Dennis’s company received a notification on Wednesday, December 13th. They immediately contacted the victim, District Attorney, sheriff, and judge before finally contacting Charleston, who eventually turned himself in.

Dennis emphasized the need to address the issue with our system’s flow, pointing out that clarifying each person’s role is crucial for resolving it.

The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office discovered inconsistencies in the records, which were attributed to variations in the individual’s name. Specifically, on October 4th, he was booked under Norwood Charleston. However, on December 12th, his surname and last name was reversed, resulting in him being listed as Charleston Norwood.

The sheriff’s office thoroughly examined all the documents related to Norwood’s arrest. The statement from the court emphasized that there was no indication, either in the documentation submitted or in the information in the docket master, that the resident would be released on an ankle monitor.

According to a minute entry from Dec. 12, it was stated that the original bond, which was dependent on wearing an ankle monitor, would be transferred.

Electronic monitors play a crucial role in solving crimes in New Orleans. According to the family, the suspect, who was released without an ankle monitor, immediately attacked his ex-girlfriend. Last month, there was a similar incident where a man was released without an ankle monitor, which led to a brutal assault. This recent event serves as a reminder of the importance of proper monitoring and ensuring the community’s safety.

“Dennis emphasized the need for a team to come together, meet, and develop a process to address this issue. Without taking proactive steps, it is unlikely that the problem will disappear.”

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