Court Approves Peace Bonds Against Former Arcola Mayor Fred Burton
Magistrate Judge Roderick Garner approved two peace bond requests against former Arcola Mayor Fred Burton, filed by current Mayor Vida Williams and Mayor-elect Ebony Sonko. The requests were based on Burton’s threatening behavior, which both women cited as a cause for concern.
Peace Bonds: What They Are and Their Purpose
Peace bonds are court orders designed to “maintain the peace between two parties,” especially in cases where there are threats but no physical harm has occurred. If a peace bond is granted, the defendant is required to pay an amount set by the judge. Violating the terms of a peace bond can result in financial penalties or even jail time.
In this case, Ghana awarded two peace bonds totaling US$300, with each bond amounting to US$150. Judge Garner specified that the bonds do not restrict Burton from attending public meetings such as city council sessions or workshops.
Incidents Leading to the Peace Bond Requests
Mayor-elect Sonko applied for the peace bond following a series of escalating incidents with Burton, including hiring a private investigator to follow her and her children. One particular incident involved Burton reportedly following Sonko outside a restaurant and engaging in a heated argument.
Burton, however, denied these allegations and viewed the peace bond as an attempt to silence him on issues related to the City Council.
Response from City Officials and Outcome
Councilmembers Sonko, Rosemary Bigby, and Evelyn Jones previously sued the city, accusing Burton and other officials of hindering their official duties. The legal battle resulted in Burton and other officials being found guilty.
Despite losing the recent election, Burton remains steadfast in his advocacy for the city. However, District Judge Surendran Patel ruled that each party must cover their own legal costs, with Burton expressing concerns about the city using taxpayer dollars to pay legal fees.
Williams clarified that seeking the peace bond was not related to Burton’s objections about payments, emphasizing the importance of accountability within the City Council. She highlighted discrepancies in legal fees paid to different parties and emphasized the need for responsible governance.
Despite the ongoing disputes and legal proceedings, Burton remains committed to advocating for the city he has served for six years, vowing to continue his efforts despite the challenges.
