"...paid nearly $4,000 to bond out."

Don't they mean posted bond of $4,000? That's a different story.

"Half a mile should not be a big deal for a seven year old to walk."

Please, CS. what if the half-mile crosses busy highways or goes through dangerous neighborhoods or crosses railroad tracks?

People, I'm beginning to see too many stories like this, and I ask myself, "What are they not telling us?"