Bail lowered for graffiti suspect

East Fork Justice Jim EnEarl lowered bail to $5,000 cash for church graffiti suspect Jonathon Walker on Wednesday and warned the 19-year-old if he violated "a comma" of the release conditions he would be back in jail.

EnEarl placed Walker on residential confinement under the supervision of the Department of Alternative Sentencing if he bails out.

He ordered Walker to have no contact with the three juveniles charged in the June 6 vandalism at six Carson Valley churches.

The suspects were accused of using black spray paint to write obscenities and satanic references to "666," and draw upside-down crosses.

Tires were slashed on a church van used to transport children to daycare.

EnEarl said one reason he lowered Walker's bail from $50,000 cash was because of a recent District Court order that allows the sheriff's office to release certain inmates to ease overcrowding at the jail.

EnEarl said he wanted to set the terms of Walker's release rather than face the possibility of the suspect being released on his own recognizance.

Walker will be staying with his father if he makes bail.

Prosecutor Michael McCormick requested the no-contact order between Walker and the three 17-year-olds charged in the case.

"We don't need these little hooligans getting out, getting together again, and talking about the case," McCormick said.

Other terms include no drugs, alcohol or firearms and the imposition of fees for random drug and alcohol testing and supervision.

EnEarl said Walker would be allowed to leave his father's residence to go to work with approval from his probation officer.

"I am not necessarily happy about doing this," EnEarl said. "If you want to thank me, don't ever be in court again for anything that has to do with a drug offense or this incredibly stupid thing."

He warned Walker if he violated terms of his release or house rules, he would be returned to custody.

The suspect said he left home originally to try living on his own. He was living in his vehicle at the time of his arrest.

"I thought I could do it on my own," Walker said. "I thought I would get a job with the other people, make a living and get a house. It didn't work out."

EnEarl questioned Walker about his drug use. The suspect tested positive for methamphetamine after his arrest.

Walker insisted he used methamphetamine after the graffiti incident.

"I only did it three times," Walker said. "I took three hits on Tuesday afternoon after the vandalism. We were in Mammoth and the methamphetamine was just there. I guess it was peer pressure."

Walker's lawyer, Tom Gregory, said his client had written apologies to the ministers of the six churches.

"This case is in the process of being negotiated," Gregory said. "My client has every intention to take full responsibility. His family is here to support him."

McCormick said restitution probably would be $3,000-5,000.

He also said he intended to seek active jail time for Walker who has been in custody since his arrest June 7.

Trinity Lutheran Pastor Tom Windsor attended Wednesday's hearing with Walker's father and grandmother.

"I am sorry this happened. I wish it hadn't," EnEarl said.

"We are in agreement," Windsor said.

"Under the circumstances, it was pretty benevolent of you to be here," EnEarl said.

Walker's next court appearance is July 10 before District Court Judge Michael Gibbons. That's the same day Gibbons is set to handle the disposition of the cases against the three juveniles who admitted charges against them.

Walker has been charged with six gross misdemeanor counts of damage to property used for religious purposes.

Damage was discovered at Trinity Lutheran Church, St. Gall Catholic Church and Carson Valley United Methodist Church in Gardnerville, Day Springs Christian Assembly on Tillman Lane in the Gardnerville Ranchos and Hilltop Community Church and Shepherd of the Sierra Church in northern Douglas County.

"If you did this, this is horrible," EnEarl said. "For the life of me, I don't understand people who vandalize or deface the property of another person.

"I certainly don't understand anything that's alleged in this case. There can be no logical explanation for anything you're accused of doing."