Bond denied for man accused of making false report in sniper probe
From Brad Wright
CNN
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FAIRFAX COUNTY, Virginia (CNN) -- A judge Monday denied bail to a man accused of lying to police in the probe of the Washington, D.C.-area sniper case.
Mathew Dowdy was denied bond at an arraignment Monday morning before Fairfax County, Virginia, District Judge Conrad Waters. A hearing was scheduled for November 18.
Dowdy is charged with obstruction of justice for making a false statement to a law enforcement officer following the shooting death of Linda Franklin in Fairfax, Virginia, on October 14. The misdemeanor charge carries a maximum penalty of six months in prison and a $1,000 fine.
Chief Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney Raymond Morrough said Dowdy "lied on three separate answers" to law enforcement officers. Morrough said Dowdy's actions "resulted in a massive waste of investigators time and resources." Morrough also said of Dowdy, "He knew we were dealing with a serial murderer."
Dowdy has a lengthy criminal record, and was most recently released from prison on September 7 after serving two months on a shoplifting charge. Dowdy's past also includes time in prison for seven felony convictions on charges including burglary, grand larceny, auto theft, escape by force and bodily injury to a correctional officer.
Court records list Dowdy's home address at an apartment in Falls Church, Virginia, and his place of employment as "home improvement."
Prosecutors in the case expect a public defender will be appointed to Dowdy's case later Monday.
