Watch the full March 7, 2025, court hearing for Kelli Bryant, who had her bond reduced from $250 million to $50,000. Bryant is accused of abandoning her three children, leaving them to live alone in a filthy Pontiac home for years.
so my take aways from the recent bond hearing are as follows:
Lack of stable address? per her attorney Kelli is not transient and had a stable residence she stayed at for some period prior to her arrest. there is a concern because of publicity about this case. It is with a family member who has strong ties to the community. Letters from family members, including one who is a "pillar of the community"
She absolutely does have a residence to return to, was never transient.
State's response: the individual the defendant is asking to be released to and to reside with is not the individual that wrote the letter. That individual is not vouching for her. That individual hasn't appeared in court and I do not believe is willing to provide that voucher to the court. That is a concern. Statements about her transient nature are based on what she herself told police during interviews.
Defense: Children are placed with family so of course it will be complicated as far as supporting or sending letters. I had conversations with the individual whose address was offered as a residence and that individual wanted to talk w Ms. Bryant about setting up a phone account. I spoke to that individual about a letter. She was asked to provide a letter but there was a time constraint, because they wanted to talk with her first before providing any letter and that hasn't happened.
Court - Court needs to be convinced this is a stable residence. I understand this individual not coming forward because of publicity but the court must be convinced.
Defense: Bryant has no criminal history. Ms. Bryant, when contacted after location of the children, paid for a lyft to go speak to officers and turn herself in.
Court: fact that she turned herself in is not in dispute. no record of prior non appearance for any previous crime. Court needs to hear about and has not heard about: employment status, Financial history as it relates to ability to pay, ties to community, ties to family members, and the residency issue.
Defense - Ms. Bryant does have a mental health diagnosis. We've asked for records but there was no time to get those records. This condition was verified by her father. she wasn't receiving any medication but was receiving treatment. Medical diagnosis for which she is supposed to receive infusions. Was scheduled for surgery for internal bleeding but has been unable to have it. Lifelong resident of Pontiac. Letter of support came from someone who has known her since she was 14. She grew up here, went to school here and has never left here. Strong ties in community.
Has parents and siblings in the City of Pontiac. Has community support from long time family friend. Everyone has made the children a priority so I want to make it clear that their support of Ms. Bryant doesn't mean the children are not a priority. Bryant was employed prior to incarceration. She was paid through the state of Michigan [I want to know what she did for employment that might be paid through the state of MI] Not verified but Bryant claims the person responsible for paying her has a common name and is with the DHFS. [not sure I followed that accurately?] She claims to have paystubs but as of this hearing those have not been located. She claims to have been making around $800 per month. Even with that monthly income she would be considered indigent.
Family is all caring for the children and do not have funds to assist Bryant with bond.
State: we do not dispute that Bryant cooperated with authorities. We've been given no proof of a diagnosis. She is not a reliable source of information. She has a history of stealing and deceiving. as to her Physical health, again, no verification was provided of this medical condition. what was provided was a treatment plan from the county jail and it appears she is receiving that treatment through the clinic at the jail. Allegation that defendant requires surgery, not supported by documentation. Irony that Bryant requires medical treatment when she stands accused of denying her children the most basic medical care for years. re employment history, no proof provided. So yes, the People have concerns. What we can confirm - Defendant abandoned her children for YEARS in this community. an Anonymous letter of support from community member. How do you support someone anonymously??
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