***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***
Thursday, June 25, 2026
Capital City Lodge #9 Calls for Bond Release of Former Deputy Jason Meade Following Prosecutors’ Decision to Seek Third Trial
The Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge #9 is calling for the immediate release on bond of former Deputy Jason Meade following today’s announcement that Franklin County Special Prosecutors intend to seek a third trial in his case.
The State’s decision to pursue another trial means this case is not over. As the judicial process continues, Mr. Meade should receive the same constitutional protections and equal treatment afforded to every other defendant.
The purpose of bail is not to keep people in jail. It exists to allow a defendant to remain free while their case proceeds, provided they are not a flight risk or a danger to the community.
Jason Meade meets both of those standards.
Throughout these proceedings, Mr. Meade has demonstrated respect for the judicial process and has appeared as required. He is not a flight risk, nor does he present a danger to the public. Since being incarcerated, he has maintained a spotless disciplinary record, committed no institutional infractions and demonstrated exemplary conduct while in custody.
This case stems from a split-second use-of-force decision made by a law enforcement officer confronting an armed individual while performing his official duties. Regardless of differing opinions surrounding the case, bond determinations should be based on objective legal standards, not emotion, politics, or public pressure.
Equal justice under the law, as guaranteed by both the United States Constitution and the Ohio Constitution, requires that similarly situated defendants receive similar treatment. There have been numerous criminal cases involving comparable convictions in which defendants remained free pending further proceedings or ultimately received probation. Mr. Meade should be evaluated under the same legal standards applied to every other defendant.
Despite rhetoric suggesting otherwise, our justice system is designed to be fair, impartial, and guided by the rule of law. When similarly situated individuals are treated differently because of public pressure or political considerations, confidence in the justice system is diminished.
The question before the Court is straightforward: Is Jason Meade a flight risk or a danger to the community? His conduct throughout this case, including his exemplary behavior while incarcerated, clearly demonstrates the answer is no.”
Capital City Lodge #9 remains committed to supporting former Deputy Meade and his family while respecting the judicial process. We are confident the courts will carefully consider the legal standards governing bond and ensure that equal justice under the law is more than just a constitutional promise, it is a principle applied equally to everyone.
