Semmes man arrested for violating bond wasn't wearing ankle monitor, court records say it was a 'misunderstanding'

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Kaleb Harden, a resident of Semmes, has been arrested again after allegedly violating the conditions of his bond related to a manslaughter charge. He is accused of providing a fentanyl pill that led to a fatal overdose. Recent court documents reveal that Harden confessed to testing positive for fentanyl, cocaine, and marijuana at the time he reported for electronic monitoring.

The bond for Harden was revoked after officials discovered he failed to wear an ankle monitor as mandated by his bond conditions. The misunderstanding regarding his electronic monitoring arose from an original order issued in September, leading to confusion about whether he was actually placed under monitoring. FOX10 News is currently awaiting a response from the Mobile County District Attorney's Office for further clarification on this issue.

The transition of electronic monitoring oversight from a private company to the Mobile County Sheriff's Office may have contributed to Harden's situation. Sheriff Paul Burch mentioned that such lapses can occur during administrative changes, suggesting that Harden may have "slipped through the cracks." Whether the mishap stemmed from a court error or Harden's negligence in reporting remains uncertain.

Sheriff Burch expressed concern over Harden's apparent disregard for the gravity of his situation, indicating that he has previously been involved with narcotics and selling fentanyl. The sheriff confirmed that Harden will remain in jail while awaiting trial, reinforcing the serious nature of the case.

Despite this setback, Sheriff Burch noted a decline in fentanyl-related incidents in Mobile County, attributing it to proactive law enforcement measures aimed at tackling the ongoing drug crisis.