Neighbors concerned after suspected drug dealer released on bond

MONROE, N.C. — Monroe residents are upset after a convicted felon was arrested on new charges and back home within 24 hours.

Monroe Police arrested Jontay Evans on Monday at his home on Hargette Road.

Police said anonymous complaints of suspicious activity at the address led them to the home, where they said they found more than six pounds of marijuana, a handgun, and hundreds of dollars in cash, according to detectives.

Residents said they thought Evans was going back to jail for some time, so they were shocked when he bonded out of jail in less than 24 hours.

"It's ridiculous, absolutely ridiculous. My mother is so scared she is sleeping with a gun under her pillow," one neighbor told Channel 9.

Since 2002, Evans has been arrested four times for charges including possession of cocaine and drug paraphernalia; breaking and entering motor vehicles; assault inflicting serious injury; possession of marijuana with intent to sell; and carrying a concealed weapon.

However, Magistrate Trudy Eudy set Evans' bond at $25,000 after his arrest.

Within hours, Evans paid the 10 percent fee of $2,500 and left the Union County Jail.

Police officers said such incidents are not uncommon, and it's frustrating.

"It's a process and we know that, that's just a part of the job we have to deal with," said Lt. T.J. Goforth.

Residents in his neighborhood were also upset over the bond amount.

"He's a known felon, carrying a gun. I think all that should be taken into consideration, and I don't think he should have been allowed to get out," said a neighbor who asked not to be identified.

Channel 9 wanted to ask Eudy why she set the bond so low and if she was aware of Evans' criminal record.

However, when confronted by an Eyewitness News crew, Eudy would only say that she could not "discuss that," and then ordered the reporter to leave her office.

Evans is currently facing charges of possession with intent to sell and possession of firearm by a felon.

WSOC