Maryville, TN (WOKI) Marcus DeHart, appearing in court Monday afternoon, pleads “not guilty” to charges that he helped his brother, Kenneth DeHart, avoid capture following the fatal shooting of Blount County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Greg McCowan and the wounding of McCowan’s partner Deputy Shelby Eggers.
DeHart will still see the inside of a jail cell as his attorney and the state of Tennessee sparred over bail.
“As he sits today, he is innocent of all charges. The bond is a million dollars, and so we believe it’s excessive and punitive at this point,” argued DeHart’s attorney Scott Lanzon.
Though Lanzon made a strong appeal for lowering of his client’s bail, the state fired back Monday with a passionate argument of its own.
“Respectfully, your honor, not all B felonies are created equal. He is accused of providing assistance to an individual who murdered a Blount County Sheriff’s deputy and attempted to murder a second deputy. So, respectfully, I understand Mr. Lanzon’s position and I understand his motion, but the state is going to oppose that motion.”
A bond hearing for Marcus DeHart is set for Friday.
Carrie Matthews, Kenneth DeHart’s girlfriend, was also taken into custody late last week. According to a police warrant, Matthews is also charged with accessory after the fact for helping Kenneth DeHart avoid capture.
Matthews was arrested in Sevier County. On Friday, she was issued a $350,000 bond with GPD monitoring required. The judge also has to approve her release.
The manhunt for Kenneth DeHart, who should be considered armed and extremely dangerous, continues. Please call 9 1 1 if you see him or call 1 800 TBI FIND if you have any information that may lead to his arrest.
