Four charges filed on March 12, 2024, against a southern Lee County man were recently dismissed.
District Attorney Suzanne Matthews dismissed the charges on November 3 against Billy Ray Pate, 54, of the 8300 block of Sheriff Watson Road, east of Cameron, because the key witness could not be located.
Pate was initially arrested on March 13, 2024, and charged with kidnapping, larceny, assault on a female, and interfering with emergency communications. The charges stemmed from allegations that he victimized Lora Ann Shaw by restraining her, striking her, and taking away her black iPhone.
After his arrest, Pate posted a $50,000 bond on March 14, 2024. However, he failed to appear in court on June 30 of the same year. As a result, he was re-arrested on July 15, 2024.
Following his re-arrest, Pate posted a new $150,000 bond, which was secured with real property posted by Johnny Ray Bouldin and Hoa Bouldin at 299 Bouldin Lane, according to eCourts records.
It appears that Pate spent only two days in jail and forfeited his original bond. Initially, he paid $2,000 and was required to pay an additional $3,000 later, according to eCourts.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/kidnapping-assault-charges-against-lee-120500182.html