The Bail Project has reportedly allocated over $90 million for bail assistance to individuals, including some who have gone on to commit serious crimes, such as murder, while out on bail.
Although the organization promotes itself as a provider of “free bail assistance” and focuses on “family reunification,” there have been alarming cases in which defendants—bailed out by them—were involved in fatal incidents shortly after their release. A 2024 report cited that the organization granted a total of $91 million in bail support to various defendants.
Below are notable cases of individuals charged with or convicted of murder after receiving bail from the organization.
Donnie Allen
Donnie Allen allegedly shot 27-year-old Benjamin McComas at a Cleveland transit station on December 14. Allen had prior charges including drug possession and criminal trespassing related to a previous incident.
Initially, his bail was set at $15,000 but was reduced to $5,000 by Judge Joy Kennedy on December 8. The Bail Project intervened, providing $500 for his release from the Cuyahoga County Jail.
Just five days later, Allen was arrested again, now suspected of killing McComas. Family members indicated that they had warned the Bail Project against releasing Allen, emphasizing concerns over his propensity for reoffending and the necessity for professional intervention. They were frustrated that their input seemingly went unheeded.
“I had a feeling he would get back into trouble,” a family member shared, highlighting a history of self-sabotage. They believed if their concerns had been acknowledged, things might have ended differently.
Travis Lang
Travis Lang was first arrested in December 2020 on drug-related charges and other felonies. The Bail Project helped cover his $5,650 bail, leading to his release in January 2021.
On October 1, 2021, Lang shot and killed Dylan McGinnis, who was part of a situation involving a woman making a drug deal with Lang at the time of the incident. Lang faced murder charges following the shooting and was sentenced in 2023. McGinnis’ mother expressed her belief that he was just trying to protect someone during a risky situation.
Samuel Lee Scott
Scott was arrested in April 2019 for allegedly beating his wife, Marcia Johnson. After being charged with misdemeanor domestic violence, he was released on a $5,000 bail from the Bail Project.
Tragically, mere hours after his release, Johnson was discovered severely injured and ultimately succumbed to her injuries. Scott faced first-degree murder charges in connection with her death and was sentenced to life in prison without parole in 2022. The executive director of the Bail Project expressed sorrow over the tragedy but noted that the circumstances were ultimately unpredictable.
Marcus Garvin
Garvin’s criminal history began in December 2020 with charges of assault for stabbing someone at a convenience store. His bail was set at $30,000 but lowered the following month to $1,500, which the Bail Project covered.
In July 2021, he stabbed and killed Christy Holt and attempted to dispose of her body. Garvin later pleaded guilty to murder, receiving a 45-year sentence. Regarding the incidents involving clients that result in violence, the Bail Project stated that such occurrences are rare, emphasizing a high return-to-court rate among those they assist.
