Judge Sets $850,000 Bond for Stephen McDaniel

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- Judge Phillip Brown has set bond at $850,000 in the murder case against Stephen McDaniel. McDaniel’s attorneys asked Judge Brown to consider setting the bond at $100,000. The defense cited that figure as a reasonable amount McDaniel’s parents could afford based on their income.

District Attorney Greg Winters requested bond be set at $2.5 million. Winters tells 41 NBC his accepts Judge Brown’s decision to set the bail at $850,000.

In order for McDaniel to be released bond must also be set in two other cases against him. McDaniel faces 30 counts of child exploitation and 2 counts of burglary.

Judge Brown has also ordered conditions of release, which include: an ankle monitor be place on McDaniel; he is not allowed to leave his parents’ house in Lilburn, Georgia, unless he is coming to court or meeting with his defense team; McDaniel will also not be allowed to be alone with minors; he is also restricted from having access to a cell phone and computer.

The bond motion filed by Judge Brown states, “The Court remains troubled,” that there is no indication of how McDaniel will be monitored when he is under his parents’ custody and they may be at work.

In order for McDaniel to released he will also have to present a plan to Judge Brown explaining how he will abide by all the restrictions and how he will pay for them.