Lori Vallow-Daybell bond upheld at $1 million
REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI/KIDK) -FINAL UPDATE: 7th District Magistrate Michelle Radford Mallard ruled Friday that Lori Vallow-Daybell's bond not be reduced.
Attorney Mark Means argued that a combination of events, including COVID-19 health protections, his allegations of attorney-client recordings, and a general economic downturn should be enough to reasonably lower her bond to $100,000 to $250,000.
And, because he also represents Vallow-Daybell's husband Chad Daybell, Means also wants Vallow-Daybell to be allowed to travel to Ada County where his office is located.
Judge Michelle Radford Mallard determined Vallow-Daybell's due process rights have been afforded her so far. She found there was not adequate evidence to show that attorney-client conversations were recorded.
The judge said she reviewed the original bond decision, but could find no good cause to lower the $1 million bond requirement.
FIRST UPDATE:
7th District Magistrate Michelle Radford Mallard ruled Friday that Lori Vallow-Daybell's bond not be reduced.
Attorney Mark Means argued that a combination of events, including COVID-19 health protections, his allegations of attorney-client recordings, and a general economic downturn should be enough to reasonably lower her bond to $100,000 to $250,000.
And, because he also represents Vallow-Daybell's husband Chad Daybell, Means also wants Vallow-Daybell to be allowed to travel to Ada County where his office is located.
Judge Michelle Radford Mallard determined Vallow-Daybell's due process rights have been afforded her so far. She found there was not adequate evidence to show that attorney-client conversations were recorded.
The judge said she reviewed the original bond decision, but could find no good cause to lower the $1 million bond requirement.
The attorney for Lori Vallow-Daybell charged Friday that conversations between him and his client were intentionally recorded and passed on to the Madison County Prosecutor and police detectives.
Mark Means' claim was at the heart of his effort to lower the woman's $1 million bond in a hearing before Magistrate Judge Michelle Radford Mallard.
According to Means, health precautions taken by the Madison County Jail, due to COVID-19, interfered with his ability to properly communicate with his client.
Means charged that jail personnel recorded his telephone conversation with Vallow-Daybell during a visit to the jail March 30-31. He said a deputy told him that one conversation was accidentally recorded, but had been deleted.
Affidavits indicate two recordings, one of one minute in length and a second of 28 minutes, were made.
But, Means alleged there were "multiple" recordings and that such recordings are commonplace in Madison County. He said he suspected calls between himself and Vallow-Daybell had been routinely recorded and "passed on to detectives and the prosecutor."
Means also argued that he did not have enough time to review affidavits filed by Madison County Prosecutor Rob Wood this week. He also claims COVID-19 protections at the jail, interfered with his ability to communicate with Vallow-Daybell.
Wood flatly denied Means' allegations. Wood said that when he learned that one of the calls was being recorded, he immediately ordered it to be stopped and deleted.
Wood called Means' argument "an attempt to divert the court and the public from the actual case."
The court took a recess before Means presented his rebuttal.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Lori Vallow/Daybell is scheduled to appear before Madison County Magistrate Judge Michelle Radford Mallard at 2 p.m. Friday.
Vallow/Daybell is seeking a reduction in her $1 million bond.
She is being held in the Madison County Jail in Rexburg since her extradition from Hawaii on February 20, 2020. Her bond was initially set at $5 million, but reduced after a second court appearance March 6.
She has been charged with two felonies for the desertion and nonsupport of her two children, J.J. Vallow, 7, and Tylee Ryan, 17. She also faces three misdemeanor charges including resisting police officers, criminal solicitation, and contempt of court.
JJ and Tylee have not been seen since September 2019.
Vallow Daybell is represented by Boise attorney Brian Webb.
She was represented in court Friday by attorney Mark Means. He has asked the court to reduce her bond to $10,000.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, public access to the hearing will be limited and everyone attending will be required to wear a face mask.
You can watch the hearing on this story beginning at 2 p.m.
You can view all our previous stories about the investigation HERE.
