$1.5M Bond Set for Captured Fugitive

John Brian Shepherd has been captured by authorities.
Tyler County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a call from a local resident on Thursday, August 22, 2024 and were able to apprehend John Brian Shepherd who had been on the run since August 15, when he cut his home confinement bracelet and escaped custody.
Shepherd appeared in the Circuit Court of Tyler County on August 15, in preparation for a trial scheduled to begin August 19, 2024. He is charged in Tyler County with the felony offenses of Sexual Assault in the First Degree; eight counts of Sexual Abuse by a Guardian; two counts of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree; one count of Sexual Abuse by a Parent, and one count of Incest. Mr. Shepherd was on a posted bond release with a condition of home confinement at the time of his escape.
Cutting his home confinement bracelet was nothing new to the defendant as he did the same thing back in 2021 and was subsequently captured in North Carolina. This time during his scheduled hearing he reportedly said he was not going back to jail. He was released back to home confinement and was soon on the run again.
Following seven intense days of searching the local area Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the tip and within a short period of time had Shepherd back in custody and definitely back in jail. He was arraigned before Tyler County Magistrate Brian Weigle on Aug. 23 on the charge of escape from custody, said Tyler County Prosecutor Luke Furbee. A $1.5 million cash-only bond was set and he is currently being held in the Northern Regional Jail awaiting a hearing. According to Prosecutor Furbee a preliminary hearing must be scheduled within 10 days of arraignment.