Decision pending over bond appeal

FRONT ROYAL -- Warren County Commonwealth's Attorney Brian M. Madden says his office has not decided whether to appeal the bond set for a town man charged with aggravated malicious wounding.

Glenn E. Sovereign Jr., 32, of 228 S. Royal Ave., is charged with aggravated malicious wounding of James Vaughn on July 29.

If convicted, Sovereign faces a possible prison sentence of "20 years to life, with a possible fine up to $100,000," Madden says in a Friday e-mail.

Sovereign remains free after posting $500 secured bond pending a Sept. 22 appearance in Warren County General District Court.

Although there is a presumption against bond under Virginia law when a person is charged with aggravated malicious wounding, Madden says he has not determined if his office will appeal Sovereign's bond.

"As to this particular case, I do not want to speculate what position this office will take on any issue since we do not have a report from the police yet," Madden says.

Sovereign also is charged with misdemeanor assault and battery of Mike Stone on July 29 in a related, but separate incident. A class I misdemeanor, assault and battery carries a maximum punishment of 12 months in jail and/or a $2,500 fine.

Daily Staff Report