Baldwin County burglary suspect's question raises judge's ire

BAY MINETTE, Al.
A burglary suspect who chose to represent himself at a preliminary hearing last week raised the ire of Presiding Baldwin County District Judge Jody Bishop after the defendant went off on a tangent while questioning a police officer.

Jonathan Lewis

Jonathan Lewis, 25, of Lillian, is facing charges of third-degree burglary, second-degree receiving stolen property, and carrying a pistol by a felon. Prosecutors dropped charges of giving a false name to police, resisting arrest, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance, court documents show.
An officer testified that Lewis gave verbal permission to search his residence after the victim of a burglary reported Lewis was trying to sell a gun that had been stolen from the victim’s home. The officer said that numerous items were found in Lewis’ home. Lewis said the items were stolen but didn’t admit to stealing them, police said. A small about of methamphetamine was also found in the house, according to police testimony.
Lewis asked the officer whether there are procedures to follow during an investigation and whether a crime was in progress when he came to his home. When Lewis asked the officer whether he was familiar with the rights of American citizens, Bishop cut him off and put him back on track.
"You made a big mistake giving up your court-appointed attorney," Bishop told him. "If you’re going to do it, you’re going to do it right. Ask questions that are relevant to the case," Bishop said.
Another officer testified that Lewis later confessed to burglarizing a woman’s home in July and taking cameras and jewelry.
The judge determined that there was enough evidence send the cases for review by grand jury.
On Sunday, Lewis remained in the Baldwin County Corrections Center without bond, according to jail records.