Ernest James Harrelson, a 52-year-old resident of Columbia, South Carolina, was incarcerated at the Al Cannon Detention Center in August 2018 on a charge of Shoplifting $2000 or less and granted personal recognizance bond by Judge Priscilla Baldwin. Less than five months later, Harrelson was arrested again on 01/13/2019 for a charge nearly identical to a count he has plead guilty to three times in the past -- Financial Transaction Card Fraud $500 or less ($10,000.00) -- only to bypass cash bail by Judge Baldwin's decision in Bond Court the following morning.

Mr. Harrelson's criminal activity began in 1995 with an arrest and ultimate guilty plea of Driving Under Suspension (DUS) 2nd Offense. Six years later, in November 2001, he pleaded guilty to a charge of Simple Assault and Battery -- which was previously docketed as Criminal Domestic Violence 3rd Offense. Harrelson initially failed to appear in court, and following an issuance of Bench Warrant, he was brought back the following day to confirm his guilt. Additionally, in May 2005, Harrelson was found guilty by Bench Trial on three counts of Drawing a Fraudulent Check Less Than $1000. Only four months later, he pleaded guilty to a charge of Criminal Domestic Violence.

Even with Harrelson's lengthy record partially documented, it is safe to assume only a competent judge would avoid releasing him on PR -- twice. Judge Baldwin displays a potent disregard for the position she holds, and the responsibility required of it. South Carolina is one of only two states in America that relays its voting authority to their respective state assembly, excluding probate court judge elections. This reality pierces the heart of a lack of judicial independence, with partisan politics placed above qualification.