Alabama Shakes Drummer Steve Johnson Denies Child Abuse Charges as He Posts Bond
The musician is now set to be released after weeks behind bars
Published Apr 07, 2021
Last month, Alabama Shakes drummer Steve Johnson was arrested on charges of child abuse. Now, he's denied those charges and is set to be released after posting a $26,500 USD bond.According to local Alabama news network WAYY [via Stereogum], Johnson will be released later today after posting bond:
RIGHT NOW: Friends, family and supporters of Alabama Shakes drummer Steve Johnson pray outside the Limestone County Courthouse. Judge West granted bonds totaling $26,500 and he will be released later today after he posts, his lawyers say. @WAAYTV @StephenGallien pic.twitter.com/W3PvJeTJh7
— Luke Hajdasz WAAY 31 (@LukeWAAY31) April 7, 2021
A grand jury had indicted Johnson of "willful torture, willful abuse, and cruelly beating or otherwise willfully maltreating a child under the age of 18."
Earlier this week, Johnson's attorney Nick Lough told the Associated Press that he was innocent, adding, "Steve Johnson maintains his innocence on all of these allegations. And that's what they are, allegations."
Lough added that the defence is seeking more information on the charges, which they believe stem from an incident involving "spanking."
In 2020, Johnson pled guilty to violating a domestic violence protection order after his ex-wife said he threatened her, harassed her and broke into her home.
So far, Alabama Shakes, including singer Brittany Howard, have yet to speak publicly on his arrest.