Family Warned Bail Nonprofit Against Releasing Repeat Offender Who Allegedly Killed Man Days Later
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Just days after a nonprofit organization posted bail for Donnie Allen, a repeat offender, he was arrested and charged with the aggravated murder of 27-year-old Benjamin McComas at a Cleveland light rail station. The incident, which occurred on December 14, has sparked a renewed debate over bail reform and the challenges of balancing public safety with rehabilitation efforts.
Allen had been in custody following charges related to drug possession, breaking and entering, vandalism, obstructing official business, and possessing criminal tools tied to an incident at the same light rail station on December 4. Initially, his bond was set at $15,000 but was subsequently reduced to $5,000 by Judge Joy Kennedy on December 8. The Bail Project, a nonprofit organization that assists low-income defendants by posting bail, paid $500 toward Allen’s release from Cuyahoga County Jail.
However, Allen’s family, who asked to remain anonymous, expressed grave concerns about his release. They told Fox News Digital that when The Bail Project contacted them on December 8 and 9 to discuss posting bail, they warned the organization against freeing Allen. According to the family, Allen’s history of repeated offenses and instability meant he needed professional help or continued incarceration rather than freedom.
One family member recounted a voicemail left by a Bail Project representative, who said she had met with Allen and wanted to discuss bail options. The family member responded, “No this is not a good idea. You guys should just leave him where he is, because he’s been in and out and in and out of jail multiple times. He needs rehabilitation not release.” Despite this warning, the nonprofit proceeded with posting bail.
“We knew that he would end up in jail anyway because he does break into people’s cars and whatnot,” the family member said. “We’ve always wanted the best for him. Whenever he starts doing good, he self-sabotages and just ends up back in jail. That’s why we felt the need to let them know they shouldn’t post his bail.” Another relative described Allen as “not stable” and emphasized that he required either jail time or rehabilitation.
Allen now faces multiple charges including aggravated murder, aggravated robbery, felonious assault, and having weapons while under disability. The case has drawn attention to the ongoing challenges faced by courts and bail reform advocates in managing defendants with complex needs.
The Bail Project’s approach aligns with broader efforts to reduce pretrial detention, which disproportionately affects low-income individuals. Advocates argue that cash bail systems often penalize poverty and contribute to overcrowded jails. Yet, critics highlight cases like Allen’s as evidence that some defendants pose significant risks when released prematurely.
Judicial decisions, such as Judge Kennedy’s bond reduction, also come under scrutiny amid concerns about “soft-on-crime” policies. Legal experts note that judges must weigh public safety against defendants’ rights and the presumption of innocence, a balance that is often difficult to achieve.
For more information on bail reform policies and court procedures, visit the United States Courts Pretrial Services and the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The City of Cleveland official website provides updates on local law enforcement and court actions.
This tragic case underscores the complexity of addressing repeat offenders’ needs within the criminal justice system, highlighting the tension between rehabilitation efforts and community safety.
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