Man arrested Tuesday for intimidating voters outside polling station released after posting bond

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A Louisville man arrested at the polls Tuesday has a history of public disturbances, but not enough for a judge to raise his bond.

During his arraignment on Wednesday, prosecutors argued for a higher bond due to Jacen Cockerell's past charges, including a 2021 disorderly conduct where he was yelling with racially charged language.

He has other cases from 2019 with a conviction for menacing and threatening behavior toward people working with LG&E.

Despite his past, a judge lowered Cockerell's bond from $2,500 to $500, saying his competency has been in questioned in the past.

"I think $15,000 full cash would be punitive in nature," the judge said Wednesday. "I mean this is an individual who's competency has been raised in previous court cases. Therefore, I believe $500 is appropriate."

Police said Cockerell intimidated voters and damaged a voting machine at the Portland Community Center during the general election on Tuesday in Louisville.

Cockerell pleaded not guilty and bonded out of jail. He is due back in court next month.