A Marion County circuit judge on Tuesday set a $15,000 cash bond for Steven Lawrence Manson Sr., who had been held without bond following his August 13 arrest. As part of the conditions for his release, the judge also ordered that Manson Sr. must wear an ankle monitor and remain within Arkansas.
Circuit Judge Andrew S. Bailey's decision came after Deputy Prosecuting Attorney John Russo requested a $25,000 bond and defense attorney John Lofton advocated for a $10,000 bond, arguing that a lower amount would help his client afford the monthly cost of the ankle monitor. Ultimately, the judge set the bond at $15,000, noting that the Arkansas Constitution requires bail to be granted in most cases. Though visibly reluctant, Bailey explained that Manson Sr.’s most serious charge—conspiracy to commit rape—is a Class Y felony, not a capital offense, which limits the court's ability to deny bail.
Manson Sr. was arrested after investigators executing a search warrant at a County Road 8054 property reported seizing over 8 pounds of suspected marijuana and three handguns from a safe. Lofton challenged the reported drug weight in court, suggesting it may have been miscalculated as ounces instead of pounds, but Russo confirmed the figure as pounds.
In addition to the drug and firearm charges, Manson Sr. faces allegations stemming from a March incident involving sexual violence at the same property. His son, Steven Michael Manson, is accused of raping an 18-year-old woman at the location while under court-ordered GPS monitoring in connection with prior charges that include the rape of a 10-year-old stepdaughter. The elder Manson was charged with conspiracy to commit rape, terroristic threatening, and coercion in relation to that incident. Both men have pleaded not guilty to all charges and are set to proceed to trial early next year.
Concerns about animal welfare also arose during the bond hearing. Lofton argued that his client has over 100 animals on the property needing care and limited support nearby, while Russo challenged this, citing U.S. Department of Agriculture investigations into the property for animal neglect. Manson Sr. disputed these claims in court, asserting that his animals were in good condition and denying USDA visits. However, evidence presented by Russo and messages provided to local advocates indicated that the Have a Heart Animal Shelter had already removed approximately 25 dogs from the property, with fewer than 10 remaining.
Judge Bailey advised the defense to ensure someone is available to care for the animals until the bond is paid and set the matter to be revisited during Manson Sr.'s next hearing on October 13. Bailey also clarified the case schedule, setting key dates for December 8, January 12, and February 10, with trials for related cases expected to begin on the final date. He emphasized the importance of timely filings to avoid delays.
Manson Jr., 35, remains free on a bond of $350,000 after he was charged in six separate cases with offenses including rape, sexual assault, kidnapping, and firearms violations. The allegations span incidents from November 2025 to March of this year. A third individual, Dezarae Shae-Lynn Manson, also faces charges in a separate case. All three defendants will face trial in the coming months.