Judge Kenneth Lester, Jr., at a brief hearing on Friday said, he would make no snap decision regarding revoking or increasing George Zimmerman’s bail, after learning that a website set up by the neighborhood watch captain, had raised over $200,000 in donations.
Zimmerman, charged with second degree murder in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin, an unarmed, 17-year-old black teen, had setup the website, therealgeorgezimmerman.com, now shut down, to raise money for his defense.
Released on bail over a week ago, Zimmerman’s lawyer, Mark O’Mara at that time, had argued his client’s status was “indigent for cost,” and the judge set bond at $150,000. But today’s revelation could change all that. However, the judge wants more time to review whether or not he could increase Zimmerman’s bond in light of these new findings.
Benjamin Crump, one of the attorneys for the Martin family said that the description of Zimmerman’s financial situation at the bond hearing was “misleading” and believes that bond would have been higher had the $204,000 raised by the website disclosed.
O’Mara told the court that he is in control of the account in which the funds are lodged. Â He said that he only learned of the funds generated from the website earlier this week.
Prosecutor Bernie De La Rionda also filed a motion for a gag order against O’Mara, which the judge denied.
O’Mara expressed his concern regarding releasing certain evidence in the case as several media outlets would like, and the state shared his concern. The judge said he would treat with this on a case-by-case basis as he would like to review first what is being released.
Judge Lester said, that issues concerning security will remain secret.
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