There’s no “get out of jail free” card in real life.
For Sarasota resident Cameron Evans, 18, one of two defendants arrested in connection to a battery outside Anna Maria Elementary School, getting out of jail will cost $50,000.
Judge Stephen Whyte of the 12th Judicial District Court denied a motion May 18 from Evans’ attorney, assistant public defender Alison Clough, who sought a reduction in his $50,000 bond.
Evans was arrested following a March 23 incident at AME, 4700 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, that sent resident Evan Purcell, 41, to the hospital with serious injuries.
Purcell was walking his dog with his 10-year-old niece when he saw a group of young adults and teenagers possibly vandalizing the facility, according to a Holmes Beach Police Department report.
Police said Purcell tried to protect the school from damages and the group became aggressive and confronted him. He drew a pocketknife, but the group beat him to the point of unconsciousness.
Purcell’s niece ran to a nearby residence for help during the incident.
Emergency medical services found Purcell and transported him to the HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton.
The Purcell family has not responded to inquiries about his condition since March 25.
The HBPD identified Evans, Palmetto resident John Bartholow, 17, and an unnamed juvenile as suspects connected to the incident using video footage from the scene and witness testimony.
Within a month, all three were arrested.
The unnamed juvenile was returned to family.
For their alleged roles in the incident, Bartholow and Evans are facing second-degree felony charges for aggravated battery resulting in great bodily harm. Both were placed in custody at the Manatee County jail under $50,000 bonds.
Bartholow posted $50,000 bond April 21 and was released into the Manatee County Probation Department’s pretrial services program.
The program allows a defendant’s release from custody but restricts legal movement and provides official supervision until a case is settled.
Evans has been in jail since April 14.
Clough’s failed May 6 motion to reduce Evans’ bond argues that $50,000 was excessive.
Whyte did not provide a written order to explain his denial of the motion.
The next court date in both Bartholow’s and Evans’ cases will be at 1:30 p.m. Monday, June 13, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.
Clough and Bartholow’s representation, Bradenton-based attorney Jon Weiffenbach, have not responded to The Islander’s inquiries about the case.