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Man sought in home invasions twice released on bond
Mobile Register ^ | 1/1/03 | staff

Posted on 01/01/2003 1:06:27 PM PST by CFW

The Associated Press

A suspect in two home invasions, including one involving two sexual assaults, was twice freed on bond in recent months on similar charges in Selma, officials said.

Eric Leon Phillips, 27, is wanted in Mobile on charges of first-degree burglary, first-degree rape, first-degree sexual abuse, first-degree theft of property, first-degree sodomy and attempted murder for two home invasions in Mobile, said Police Cpl. Pat Mitchell.

Phillips is suspected of forcing his way into a home in Mobile Saturday and sexually assaulting a 9-year-old child and her mother. He may have also been involved in a second home invasion on Sunday. Vehicles were stolen in both incidents, Mitchell said.

Mobile County District Attorney John Tyson Jr. said he's upaset that the alleged crimes were committed while Phillips was free on bond after twice being accused of similar acts in Selma.

Phillips was arrested in Selma on May 18, when he was charged with first-degree rape and first-degree burglary. Earlier that day he allegedly broke into a home and raped a 14-year-old girl, said Lt. David Evans, a spokesman for the Selma Police Department. Phillips was also charged with carrying a concealed weapon. He was released on a $10,000 bond.

Five days later, on May 23, he was arrested again in Selma and charged with second-degree attempted burglary, Evans said. He posted a $2,500 bond and was released. But Selma police said he failed to make a court appearance and is being sought by them.

Phillips' last known address was in Selma, but he had been staying in Mobile with his grandmother and with a girlfriend, Mitchell said.


TOPICS: Crime/Corruption; Culture/Society; US: Alabama
KEYWORDS: scumbagalert

1 posted on 01/01/2003 1:06:27 PM PST by CFW
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To: CFW
Mobile County District Attorney John Tyson Jr. said he's upaset that the alleged crimes were committed while Phillips was free on bond after twice being accused of similar acts in Selma.

Five days later, on May 23, he was arrested again in Selma and charged with second-degree attempted burglary, Evans said. He posted a $2,500 bond and was released.

I'd be a little upset too! Someone needs to start practicing a little gun control.

2 posted on 01/01/2003 1:32:09 PM PST by CFW
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To: CFW
These stories should include the name of the Judge who granted bond. If the Judge had no choice he should be allowed to defend himself. Otherwise he should be held fully responsible for criminal activities that follow. There may be an excuse for releasing him the first time but I'd like to hear it. There is no excuse for the second release.
3 posted on 01/01/2003 1:42:03 PM PST by FreePaul
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To: CFW
The police and judicial system could maybe be forgiven for letting out on bond the first time, but letting him out the second time so soon after the first ---

The mother of that little girl needs to sue, sue, sue. And sombody needs to be kicked off of the bench. Why do we even have judges when this is what they do for us?

4 posted on 01/01/2003 1:44:01 PM PST by Yeti
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To: Yeti
It's totally baffling to me. Look at the charges! I can't believe a Judge would release him on bond given his history.
5 posted on 01/01/2003 1:47:10 PM PST by CFW
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To: CFW
I can't believe a Judge would release him on bond given his history.

It is indeed amazing! Really, looking at the bond that was set in the first one -- 10 grand for breaking in and raping a 14-year-old -- it is shockingly low.

Then he commits a similar offense(without the rape, but I noticed that one was just "attempted," so we don't know what would have happenned) FIVE DAYS LATER and they let him out again! This time on only $2500. I guess Selma gives a discount for repeat customers.

I wonder if that judge sees the connection between himself and the hymen-less, emotionally scarred 9-year-old little girl.

Please, please tell me the sodomy was committed on the mother, not the little girl .....

6 posted on 01/01/2003 2:01:29 PM PST by Yeti
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To: CFW; All
I know there are some FReepers who are really handy with record searching -- can anyone find out the name of the judge that let this happen? Or more detail on the case?

Someone needs to lose their job for this!

7 posted on 01/01/2003 2:04:44 PM PST by Yeti
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To: FreePaul
Bingo ... great minds think alike ;)
8 posted on 01/01/2003 2:06:24 PM PST by Yeti
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To: Yeti
Shocking judicial atrocity bump.
9 posted on 01/01/2003 2:11:26 PM PST by Yeti
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To: CFW
If Phillips is a "brother," I'm sure the judge was simply trying to help compensate him for the terrible effects of 400 years of slavery and Senator Lott's unfortunate comments.
10 posted on 01/01/2003 2:12:53 PM PST by Tacis
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To: Yeti
I'll see if I can find out more info tomorrow (when I'm at the office and can get on my Westlaw & Lexis research stuff). If I find anything, I'll post it here.
11 posted on 01/01/2003 2:17:17 PM PST by CFW
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To: CFW; All
Thanks...

Anyone else heard anything about this?

12 posted on 01/01/2003 2:55:02 PM PST by Yeti
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