Karmelo Anthony’s family plans to use part of GiveSendGo $415,000 legal defense fund not only to fight the charge, but also to relocate and hire private security following a wave of threats and harassment.
Anthony appeared in court on Monday wearing a gold jumpsuit, shackled and handcuffed, as his legal team successfully argued to have his bond reduced from $1 million to $250,000.
Under Texas law, families typically only need to pay 10% of the bond amount, meaning Anthony could be released from the Collin County Jail soon.
Once released, he will be placed under house arrest, be required to wear an ankle monitor, and must receive permission from the court before leaving his parents’ home.
During the bond hearing, prosecutors pressed Anthony’s father, Andrew Anthony, about the more than $415,000 raised on the Christian crowdfunding site GiveSendGo.
Prosecutors questioned why those funds hadn’t already been used to secure the teen’s release. Andrew Anthony responded that the money was designated for legal fees, but also admitted the family intended to use a portion of the donations to move to a new home and pay for security following threats they’ve received since the incident.
According to the