Freeman’s bond set at $100,000; June 2 picked as arraignment date

Elaine Freeman appeared before 13th Judicial District Judge Gary Ortego on Thursday for her bond hearing.
Authorities were in search of the 32-year-old female after she abducted 12-year-old Jalon Bradley from Mamou High School around 3:15 p.m. on April 26, 2016.
Freeman, who is Bradley’s non-custodial parent, traveled to Jackson, MS with the juvenile without consent from his father.
She was located in Jackson by Hinds County Sheriff’s Office the day after the abduction took place on April 27, 2016.
When it came to setting Freeman’s bond, Judge Ortego heard from Kelly Tate on behalf of the State of Louisiana and Alex “Sonny” Chapman on behalf of the defendant to determine if a bond would be set, and how much the bond would be.
During the hearing, Freeman took the stand where she revealed to the court that she did in fact know that Bradley’s father had custody of their son.
When the State spoke, they informed the judge that this was not the first time Freeman had been involved in a situation such as the recent kidnapping that occurred.
Tate stated, “Your Honor, although the defendant Elaine Freeman does not have a prior criminal record, we ask that the court consider the fact that two years ago Freeman did take the child without permission from his father.”
Before setting her bond, Judge Ortego said, “In this matter of the State of Louisiana vs. Elaine Freeman there are specific factors that the court has to consider when setting bond.”
Those factors consisted of the severity of the crime and the danger Freeman poses to society.
Judge Ortego then stated, “The court finds that you understood there was an order of sole custody, and that the child was taken unbeknownst to anyone, and he was taken across state lines.”
These findings led the judge to set a substantial bond of $100,000.00.
Freeman’s arraignment, which is where she will enter either a plea of not guilty or guilty, has been set for June 2, 2016.