Jail Handling of Falcons Player Questioned

Two Fulton County jail workers are facing disciplinary action after they allowed Falcons cornerback Juran Bolden to leave through a back door at the facility after posting bond in an attempt to avoid news reporters and camera crews that were staked outside, authorities said Monday.

Bolden, 29, was released on bond Sunday after he was arrested at Lenox Square Mall and charged with marijuana possession and driving a stolen car.

Bolden posted a $20,700 bond before leaving the Fulton County Jail, where he was being detained after police charged him with possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of marijuana and violating the Georgia controlled substances act.

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He did not speak to reporters who had gathered outside the jail because jail workers allowed him to leave through a back door. The rear exit has raised concern that Bolden received preferential treatment following his incarceration.

"This is a very unfortunate experience and very embarrassing for us," said Lt. Clarence Huber, a spokesman for Fulton County Sheriff Jackie Barrett. "It does look like there was preferential treatment. The sheriff is looking at this matter very carefully. She's reviewing reports this morning and disciplinary action is pending."

Authorities said Sgt. Jacqueline Dunn allowed Bolden to leave through the rear exit even though Barrett had ordered staff to treat him like any other prisoner. Authorities said the day watch supervisor, Lt. Brian Turner, is also under scrutiny for the incident.

Huber said the department is investigating whether Turner contacted a member of the Falcons organization after the arrest and helped arrange Bolden's rear door release.

Dunn has told authorities that she did not know why she disobeyed the sheriff's order, Huber said.

He said Bolden did not receive faster jail processing than other inmates. The details of Dunn's reprimand are not yet available but are expected to be released later Monday.

Bolden is on the physically unable to perform list. He had reconstructive knee surgery in Atlanta's 20-6 playoff loss at Philadelphia in January.

The sport utility vehicle Bolden was driving Saturday night had been stolen and the license plate didn't match the vehicle, police said. The player had less than an ounce of marijuana, Atlanta police Sgt. John Quigley.

"We're still trying to gather as much information as we can," team spokesman Aaron Salkin said. "Until then, we don't have further comment."

Bolden, a five-year NFL player, is eligible to be activated after the Falcons play the St. Louis Rams on Monday night. The 29-year-old cornerback returned to the league last year after spending two seasons in the Canadian Football League.

Bolden finished with 41 tackles and tied for the team lead with four interceptions in 2002.

Channel 2 Action News reporter Deidra Dukes contributed to this report.