George Zimmerman free on $1 million bond
George Zimmerman is free from jail after posting part of a $1 million bond today, ABC News reported.
George Zimmerman is free from jail after posting part of a $1 million bond today, ABC News reported.
The 28-year-old neighborhood watch volunteer faces second-degree murder charges in the death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin.
A Florida judge increased Zimmerman’s bond to $1 million from $150,000 on Thursday after the prosecution proved he misled the court about his money situation.
Prosecutors charged him in April after police let him go shortly after the late-February shooting in a gated community of Sanford, Fla.
Zimmerman said the unarmed teen attacked him during a late-night confrontation.
On a website established to raise funds for his defense, attorney Mark O’Mara said “supporters” have donated $20,000 to Zimmerman since the judge raised bail Thursday, making it possible for Zimmerman to post 10 percent of the bond (or $100,000).
“In the two months prior to the Court’s Order Setting Bail, the George Zimmerman Defense Fund had received approximately $55,000,” the website reads. “Once Mr. Zimmerman’s release has been secured, we will change our focus from securing bond to the defense of the charges against him.”
Zimmerman was originally freed on the $150,000 bond but returned to jail last month to answer questions about his money situation.
More from GlobalPost: George Zimmerman back in jail after bond revoked
His website averages between $500 and $1,000 in daily donations, Reuters reported.
On Thursday, O’Mara posted on the website that the defense fund had about $211,000, but that doesn’t include expenses.
That makes Zimmerman and wife Shellie flight risks, Circuit Judge Kenneth Lester said Thursday.
As well as wear an electronic monitoring bracelet, Zimmerman must remain in Seminole County, stay away from the Orlando airport and stay home between 6 pm and 6 am, according to Reuters.
He can’t apply for a passport, hold a bank account or drink, either, Reuters said.
Shellie Zimmerman faces perjury charges for allegations she lied about money to protect her husband.
More from GlobalPost: George Zimmerman reenacts fight with Trayvon Martin (VIDEO)
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