A series of errors: Bond companies called to court in Bricen Rivers case

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Multiple bond companies took the stand on Thursday, saying that the jail did not follow protocol in releasing Rivers.

The Davidson County Clerk’s Office already admitted to an error that allowed Bricen Rivers to be released without initially communicating his bond conditions, which included staying in Nashville. Days after his release, Lauren Johansen was found dead.

Lauren’s father Lance Johansen said in the courtroom on Thursday that had it not been for so many errors in the process, his daughter would still be here.

“I really think a lot of things could have been done differently and my daughter would be alive right now,” Lance said. “So while you all are figuring this out, I’m just asking that you consider finding a way to keep these people off the streets.”

Inside the courtroom on Thursday, owner and CEO of Brooke’s Bail Bonding Brooke Harlan told the six presiding judges that Rivers had an ankle monitor when he traveled to Mississippi, but the monitor appeared to be having problems. They called him back to Nashville.

Rivers was given a new ankle monitor, but he did not stay in Nashville even though his release conditions mandated that he stay in the city.

Alisha Ridley with Brookes Bail Bonding said that she tried to get Rivers back in Nashville by texting his attorney and his mom. Rivers assured them that “he would be back.” A warrant was not issued for Rivers until June 28. On July 3, Lauren was found dead.

Several officials involved in the courtroom today gave no definite answer on resolutions, but they could range from sanctions, punishments, firings or even to legislative reforms. Rivers was denied bond for first-degree murder charges .

The Davidson County Sheriff’s Office told News 2 that Rivers “was released in accordance with the release order” that they received from the court clerk.

“Unfortunately, what we received did not include any restrictions or mention of conditions for release,” the Sheriff’s Office added.”

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