Jefferson ordered to report to jail (WITH VIDEO)

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Judge may lift remand upon receiving results of substance abuse evaluation

Tiger Rag Staff Report

Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham is reporting from the Baton Rouge courthouse that former LSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson has been ordered to report to jail by 2 p.m.

District Judge Chip Moore ruled that Jefferson’s arrest on possession of marijuana last week violated the terms of his bond related to his arrest last August for battery in the Shady’s incident.

10:55 a.m. Update

Louisiana Radio Network Sports Director and Tiger Rag Radio co-host Jeff Palermo caught up with Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore Tuesday morning following Judge Chip Moore’s ruling.

“Judge Moore has made it clear again today in court like he does all the time that when someone violates his condition of bond, particularly being rearrested, that he takes it very seriously, and with very few exceptions, incarcerates individuals just like Mr. Jefferson. He made it clear that this is his rule, and he’s sticking by his rule today,” said the district attorney.

Hillar Moore said that Judge Chip Moore has allowed Jefferson time to take a substance abuse evaluation by allowing him to report to jail by 2 p.m. rather than remand him to jail immediately.

“[Jefferson] is going to eventually get a report from this person, and then the judge will reconsider his remand sometime this week, I’m sure,” said Hillar Moore. “Then he’ll make a decision on if he will release him and what conditions he would release him on.”

The DA anticipates that this ruling will happen later this week, although early next week is also possible.

In the mean time, upon reporting to jail, Jefferson will remain there with no possibility for bond until his Dec. 12 court hearing or if Judge Chip Moore raises his remand at an earlier date.

More to come from this developing story as Cody is gathering info at the courthouse so check back to TigerRag.com for the latest.

12:38 p.m. update: video and commentary

Jefferson and attorney Lance Unglesby left the court house just before noon, with Unglesby issuing a statement saying he and Jefferson “expected” and “respect” Judge Moore’s decision to send Jefferson back to jail.

“Jordan is here to honor any obligations imposed upon him,” Ungelsby said. “My opinion on Jordan remains the same: he’s a fine young man. I look forward to, over time, that becoming apparent to everyone.”

Neither Unglesby nor Jefferson answered questions upon leaving, as Jefferson is set to report to parish prison by 2 p.m. today.

How long Jefferson remains in jail is up to Moore, at this point.  Jefferson could spend up to six months in jail, which is the maximum sentence for a contempt of court ruling in a case of bond violation. It is not expected that Jefferson will be held that long, however.

Jefferson underwent a substance abuse evaluation after Judge Moore’s order, and Judge Moore should receive the report of that evaluation in the next day or so. It will then be up to Judge Moore to determine Jefferson’s length of stay, or a new bond appropriate to this case.

Jefferson’s demeanor leaving the court was a stark contrast to his somber attitude inside the courtroom. Outside, he appeared confident, smiling and greeting passersby with polite words. Inside, he was quite stoic as Judge Moore indicate he had a “real problem with what’s going on.”