Bond has been reduced to $25,000 for a Sequoyah School instructor charged with holding nine teen "ghost hunters" with an assault rifle.
Prosecutor Rachel Winfrey said she met with the young people and their families and it was agreed for the lesser bond for Stacy F. Swallows, 45, who is charged with nine counts each of aggravated assault and false imprisonment. His bond had been at $180,000 and he has been at the county jail since the incident last Saturday night.
Prosecutor Winfrey said deputies have thoroughly investigated the case and not found that the young people, ranging in age from 16-19, did anything wrong at the Shipley Cemetery.
General Sessions Court Judge Bob Moon asked Ms. Winfrey, "Aren't some of these alleged victims 19-year-old adults?" Mrs. Winfrey indicated that at least two of them were 19 years of age. Judge Moon responded, "In that event, and based upon the information and facts contained in the arrest warrants, the issues of trespassing and contributing to the delinquency of minors could certainly be considered a criminal offense."
Ms. Winfrey stated that the state did not intend to bring any charges against the nine young people at this time." Judge Moon said that, T.C.A. 46-1-313 makes it a Cass E felony for any person to "play at any game or amusement or loiter in a cemetery. The evidence may reveal that there are some criminal offenses committed by all parties in this case. We shall see."
At the same time, Attorney Jerry Summers said his client may be found to be "in the right" after a hearing. A preliminary hearing in the case was delayed until Nov. 17.
Judge Moon approved the lower bond.
Judge Moon told Swallows he cannot possess a weapon and he must stay away from the young people. The judge said the young people must not come within three miles of Shipley Cemetery.
Ms. Winfrey said some of the young people live near the cemetery, but they can take another road home. She said the young people are "from good families" and several siblings were at the cemetery.
Judge Moon said Swallows has an excellent reputation, no criminal record and a good work history. He was an EMT before becoming a teacher.