COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Richland County Sheriff is decrying a bond decision that put a 20-year-old murder suspect back into the public following his recent arrest at a Columbia mall.
The Richland County Sheriff's Department said Jada Aniah Craft was arrested by Columbia Police on Tuesday in the food court of the Columbiana Centre and charged with the unlawful carry of a pistol and possession of marijuana.
Sheriff Leon Lott, who has highlighted past bond decisions for suspects in serious crimes, took issue with Craft being free.
"A person is out on bond for murder and is arrested with a gun is once again allowed back on our streets," Lott said in a statement. "When will our citizens be protected from repeat offenders?"
The sheriff's department said deputies had previously arrested Craft in 2021 for murder and that he was released on $50,000 bond. The sheriff said he was also released from the Lexington County Detention Center following the latest charge with a $75,615 bond and an ankle monitor.
