Most charges dropped against truck driver
accused of holding his girlfriend captive
The Associated Press
DUBLIN -- Most charges were dropped Friday against a truck driver who was accused of holding his girlfriend captive for months while they traveled in his tractor-trailer from New York to Tennessee.
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CNN "Katina" Pate obviously was beaten, but her story had holes, officials said. |
Magistrate Judge Tommy Bobbitt found no probable cause existed for charges of kidnapping with bodily injury and aggravated assault against Shannon E. Jones, 26.
Ronda "Katina" Pate, 37, had accused Jones two weeks ago of holding her against her will and beating her. She said she left a string of messages scrawled on restroom walls at rest stops, pleading for help. One message was found by a janitor in Tennessee, who notified authorities.
Jones was arrested at a rest area along Interstate 16 between Macon and Savannah April 20.
But the investigation into Pate's claims indicated she might have caused her own injuries, authorities said.
Bobbitt found cause only for a simple assault, a misdemeanor, and set Jones' bond at $2,500. Immediately after the hearing, Jones' mother posted the bail.
Assistant District Attorney David Gafnea said he may drop the simple assault charge.
The woman's story began to unravel soon after Jones' arrest as witnesses started coming forward saying they saw Pate without Jones just days prior to his arrest. Jones told Bobbitt that Pate could have left him at any time.
The lead investigator, sheriff's Sgt. Gerald Frazier, said a worker at the battered women's shelter where Pate is staying told him she had witnessed Pate beating herself with a hair dryer. He also said Pate's family members told him she was prone to beating herself.
"If the people didn't catch her beating herself with a hair dryer, I might still be in jail," Jones told The Macon Telegraph.
Gafnea said the most prosecutable charge in the case is probably the one against Pate. She was charged with giving false information about her identity. She originally told deputies her name was Katina Shaddix and that she was 24.
Although she originally told investigators she had left more than 100 help messages while they traveled, But she later said it was about 30, according to Frazier. No other message was found, despite a diligent effort, he said.
"She told a story that was so unbelievable it got attention around the globe," defense attorney Ralph Jackson said. "We know she lied. Without truthfulness, our justice system would be corrupted."
Jones said he plans to try to get his truck-driving job back. His truck still is in Laurens County, where he was arrested. If his boss agrees, he planned to drive the truck back to his home in Delhi, N.Y.
Despite the remaining charge, both Jones and his mother, Wanda Jones, said they were pleased with the outcome.
"The truth finally came out," said Jones. "I'm pretty satisfied."
