Burglary suspect’s bond hearing follows viral arrest campaign

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - A judge was unable to set bond for a suspect in a string of burglaries during his first court appearance Thursday afternoon.

Meshawn Richardson joined his bond hearing via Zoom. Judge Crystal Harmond was unable to set bond for the three felony burglary charges Richardson is facing due to a 2015 burglary conviction. That decision will be left up to superior court.

Arrest went viral on social media

Richardson’s case has gone viral in the area, with Chatham County Sheriff’s Office turning an arrest warrant into a social media saga.

Sheriff Richard Coleman began his Facebook campaign to track down 30-year-old Richardson after he got away from law enforcement.

“Meshawn, you’ve got to know I’m gon’ get you, dressed like this I’m still gon’ get you, you can’t get away from me,” Coleman said in a Facebook video.

A few weeks later, the sheriff’s office announced the arrest.

“We have Meshawn. Man come on man. We have Meshawn, the Sheriff is on his way,” the sheriff’s office said in a livestream.

Richardson is charged with three felony counts of burglary in the first degree and three misdemeanor charges for possession of marijuana, obstruction and reckless conduct.

Questions raised over livestream ethics

Questions are being raised over the ethics of livestreaming a suspect’s arrest.

Jeremy Eldridge, a former prosecutor and current defense attorney, said livestreams may cause problems for both the defense and prosecution in Richardson’s trial.

“The sheriff’s unnecessary and unprofessional gloating and mockery on Facebook could be something that is introduced to the court to essentially show that sheriffs from his office are biased and unprofessional and can’t be believed in court,” said Eldridge, a partner at Zelous Advocates.

On the defense’s end, Eldridge said “the fact that the defendant was wearing a wig when he attempted to elude authorities, and flight is consciousness of guilt.”

While Eldridge raised concerns over the livestreams being a “mockery” of Richardson, Richardson can be seen joking with Coleman and even exchanging pleasantries.

“It was nice to meet you man,” Richardson said via Facebook Live.

While the sheriff’s office has yet to respond for comment, Coleman’s position is clear.

“Crime cannot have a residence here in this county, we do not tolerate it, Chatham County will be safe,” Coleman said.

Richardson’s next hearing is set for June 11 at the Chatham County courthouse.