Batey, Vandenburg released from custody in Vanderbilt rape case
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) – Cory Batey and Brandon Vandenburg were released from custody Wednesday after bond was set earlier in the day.
The judge reinstated Batey’s previous bond of $350,000. He now has to wear a GPS device. Vandenburg’s bond was increased by $50,000 to $400,000, and he must also wear a GPS.
Batey was dressed in a suit and tie and carrying a Bible as he was released.
Vandenburg was released seconds after his former teammate, his lawyers telling local media he is leaving town as soon as possible. He is originally from California and still has family in that area.
PHOTOS: Vanderbilt University rape case bond hearing
Davidson County Criminal Court Judge Monte Watkins began the day by going through his full docket prior to addressing the Batey and Vandenburg mistrial decision.
Batey’s defense attorney, Worrick Robinson, spoke first Monday. He addressed the court and explained why he believes Batey should be allowed bond. Vandenburg’s attorney later did the same.
The state argued that both should be considered flight risks due to the duo’s “likelihood of conviction.”
Representatives for bonding agencies attended the hearing, stating whether they would continue to conduct business with Batey and Vandenburg.
A representative for Nashville Bonding Company said they did not want Batey’s bond back with them. His defense attorney requested bond be reduced by half due to this. The request was denied.
Another company that previously shared Batey’s bond with Nashville Bonding Company, Free At Last, said it will not charge a new premium for his bond.
When asked, a company representative said, “I would like juror number 9 to pay our fees.”
The judge decided to reinstated both men’s bail and require them to each wear a GPS device. Vandenburg’s bond was increased by $50,000.
Judge Watkins approved a mistrial in the case Tuesday afternoon.
Batey and Vandenburg were convicted in January of all charges against them in the June 2013 rape of an unconscious female student.
In the court order declaring the mistrial, the court found that jury foreman Todd Easter, or Juror No. 9, “failed” to speak the truth during the selection process in the trial.
“The defendants have a right to a fair and impartial trial, a right that was violated by Juror No. 9’s misconduct,” the order stated. “By failing to disclose being the named victim in a twenty-three count statutory rape indictment, the presumption of jury bias was met.”
Easter has maintained he viewed the relationship as consensual and noted his parents were the ones to file the original complaint, not himself.
Davidson County District Attorney Glenn Funk told News 2 the prosecution plans to request a new trial and noted Vandenburg and Batey do not have to be re-charged or re-indicted.
Two other former students, Brandon Banks and Jaborian “Tip” McKenzie, are accused in the case. However, their trials have yet to be set.
Read the full court order below: