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Name:
Bidez, Reynolds Lafayette
Date of Booking:
03/01/2026
Reason(s) For Booking:
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT
FALSE IMPRISONMENT
ARSON- 3RD DEGREE
CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY – 2ND DEGREE
BATTERY – FAMILY VIOLENCE (1ST OFFENSE) MISD
CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY – 2ND DEGREE
TAMPERING WITH EVIDENCE – FELONY
TAMPERING WITH EVIDENCE – FELONY
POSSESSION AND USE OF DRUG RELATED OBJECTS
POSS. OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE/MARIJUANA
Officer’s Narrative:
[Please note: The following is a direct transcription from the official initial incident report. The Georgia Gazette does not fix any spelling or grammatical errors that may exist. Any changes or redactions made by our staff are placed inside brackets. Some errors may exist. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The topics discussed may be sensitive to some readers. Discretion is advised.]
On March 1, 2026, at 00:27 hours, I was dispatched to [100 BLOCK] Brookside Drive, Villa Rica, Georgia, in reference to a physical domestic that had occurred at [100 BLOCK] Brookside Drive.
Upon arrival, I made contact with the complainant/victim, [VICTIM #1]. While speaking with [VICTIM #1], I observed visible swelling and bruising to her right eye, along with a laceration located beneath her right eye.
[VICTIM #1] stated that she and her boyfriend, identified as offender Reynolds Bidez, had been drinking prior to becoming involved in a physical altercation inside their residence at [100 BLOCK] Brookside Drive. [VICTIM #1] stated that during the altercation, Reynolds grabbed her and slammed her into their bedroom door, causing her eye to swell and resulting in the laceration. She further stated that Reynolds then left her lying on the bedroom floor and took her smartwatch, cellular phone, and iPad in an attempt to prevent her from contacting law enforcement.
[VICTIM #1] stated that she attempted to flee the residence through the front door; however, Reynolds blocked her path by standing in front of it. She then attempted to exit through the back door, at which time Reynolds grabbed her by the hair on the back of her head and threw her onto the floor. [VICTIM #1] stated that while she was on the floor, Reynolds pinned her down and removed her pink and white striped blouse, stating he was going to burn it because it had blood on it. She stated that Reynolds then told her to clean herself up. [VICTIM #1] stated she continued fighting in an attempt to break free and flee the residence.
[VICTIM #1] stated that the last thing she remembered during the assault was Reynolds choking her, causing her to lose consciousness. [VICTIM #1] stated she later regained consciousness and experienced a seizure. She stated that after the seizure, Reynolds went into the bathroom to vomit due to intoxication. [VICTIM #1] stated she then gathered herself and fled the residence. She stated that Reynolds began chasing her as she exited but fell. [VICTIM #1] stated Reynolds then locked the door after she exited. She ran to the neighboring residence at [100 BLOCK] Brookside Drive, where the homeowner, [REDACTED] called 911 on her behalf.
[VICTIM #1] stated she was unable to provide an exact time of the incident due to losing consciousness and not having access to her phone or other devices. She also stated she was unsure what initially led to Reynolds becoming physical.
[VICTIM #1] was provided a written witness statement form, which she completed on scene. The statement will be attached to this report.
Contact was attempted at [100 BLOCK] Brookside Drive by knocking on the door; however, no one answered. Several attempts to contact Reynolds on several different numbers ,as well as [VICTIM #1] phone was attempted but were unsuccessful. While on scene, a pink and white striped blouse consistent with [VICTIM #1]’s description was observed in the backyard fire pit and appeared partially burned. Photographs were taken of the fire pit and blouse, as well as of [VICTIM #1] and her injuries. These photographs will be attached to this report.
Investigator Rae was notified and responded to the scene. The incident was turned over to investigators. [VICTIM #1] was escorted to a secure location for her safety.
Multiple attempts were made to contact Reynolds Bidez via telephone with negative results.
[End of Narrative]
All information is sourced directly from the official, public court database. Case history is organized and curated by The Georgia Gazette staff. The “What this means:” explanations are written by AI and reviewed by our staff before publishing.
Court records are subject to change at the court’s discretion. The Georgia Gazette is not responsible for errors or omissions. Nothing here is legal advice. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Case History:
3/1/26
REYNOLDS LAFAYETTE BIDEZ BOOKED INTO CARROLL COUNTY JAIL
What this means: Reynolds Lafayette Bidez was taken into custody at the Carroll County Jail on this date. He is accused of multiple charges including Aggravated Assault, False Imprisonment, Arson – 3rd Degree, Criminal Damage to Property – 2nd Degree, Battery – Family Violence (1st Offense), Tampering with Evidence (two counts), Possession and Use of Drug Related Objects, and Possession of a Controlled Substance/Marijuana. These are accusations only — Reynolds Lafayette Bidez is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
3/12/26
ONE COUNT OF CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY – 2ND DEGREE DISMISSED
What this means: One of the two Criminal Damage to Property – 2nd Degree charges against Reynolds Lafayette Bidez was dismissed on this date, meaning the court dropped that particular charge. Reynolds Lafayette Bidez still faces the remaining charges in Carroll County Superior Court, Case Number 26WA193.
3/16/26
DEFENSE ATTORNEY FILES ENTRY OF APPEARANCE IN CARROLL COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT
What this means: Attorney J. Mac C. Pilgrim of The Pilgrim Law Group, LLC, formally notified Carroll County Superior Court that he is representing Reynolds Lafayette Bidez in Case Number 26WA193. This is a standard step that establishes who will be handling the defendant’s legal defense and ensures all court communications are directed to his attorney.
3/16/26
DEFENSE FILES MOTION TO SET BOND
What this means: Attorney J. Mac C. Pilgrim filed a motion asking Carroll County Superior Court to set a reasonable bond for Reynolds Lafayette Bidez, who has been held in the Carroll County Jail since his booking on 3/1/26. The motion argues that Reynolds Lafayette Bidez has ties to the community, poses no significant risk of flight, and presents no significant danger to the community. The motion also notes that he is aware of his obligation to appear in court as required. A judge will need to rule on this request before any bond amount is set.
3/16/26
DEFENSE FILES MOTION FOR SPECIAL AND GENERAL DEMURRERS
What this means: Reynolds Lafayette Bidez’s attorney filed a demurrer, which is a legal challenge arguing that the charges as written in the accusation or indictment are legally deficient — either too vague, improperly stated, or otherwise flawed. A “special demurrer” challenges specific wording or details of the charges, while a “general demurrer” argues the charges fail to state a valid legal claim at all. The court will need to rule on whether the charges are properly formed before the case moves forward.
3/16/26
DEFENSE FILES MOTION FOR DISCLOSURE OF ITEMS ARGUABLY SUBJECT TO SUPPRESSION AND PRELIMINARY MOTION TO SUPPRESS
What this means: Reynolds Lafayette Bidez’s attorney filed a motion asking the prosecution to disclose any evidence that may have been obtained improperly — for example, through an unlawful search or seizure. The motion also includes a preliminary request to suppress, meaning to block, any such evidence from being used against Reynolds Lafayette Bidez at trial. If the court agrees that evidence could not be presented to a jury.
3/16/26
DEFENSE FILES DEMAND FOR DISCOVERY
What this means: Reynolds Lafayette Bidez’s attorney formally requested that the prosecution turn over all evidence in its possession related to the case — including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and anything else the State intends to use. This is a standard part of the legal process that ensures the defense has access to the same information the prosecution has before trial.
3/16/26
DEFENSE FILES MOTION RESERVING THE RIGHT TO FILE ADDITIONAL MOTIONS
What this means: Attorney J. Mac C. Pilgrim filed a motion asking Carroll County Superior Court to allow Reynolds Lafayette Bidez to file additional motions later in the case as needed. The motion explains that discovery is still ongoing and that the complexity of the charges may require the defense to raise new legal issues as more information becomes available during the discovery process. This is a protective measure to keep the defense’s options open.
4/5/26
GRAND JURY RETURNS INDICTMENT — 10 COUNTS FILED AGAINST REYNOLDS LAFAYETTE BIDEZ
What this means: A Carroll County grand jury formally indicted Reynolds Lafayette Bidez on ten criminal counts. An indictment means a grand jury reviewed the state’s evidence and found probable cause to bring formal charges. The counts include Aggravated Assault, False Imprisonment, Arson in the Third Degree, Battery – Family Violence, Criminal Damage to Property in the Second Degree, Tampering with Evidence (two counts), Possession of Drug Related Objects, Possession of Marijuana Less Than One Ounce, Aggravated Battery – Family Violence, and Hindering an Emergency Telephone Call. The case is docketed as Criminal Action No. 26CR497 in Carroll Superior Court, with prosecutors Kimberly Hope and Michael Reamp handling the case under District Attorney Sarah Stimac Japour of the West Georgia Judicial Circuit.
4/17/26
JUDGE ISSUES RULE NISI SCHEDULING BOND HEARING
What this means: Carroll County Superior Court Judge Dustin W. Hightower of the West Georgia Judicial Circuit issued a Rule Nisi — a court order directing both sides to appear before the court for a hearing on Reynolds Lafayette Bidez’s Motion to Set Bond. The hearing is scheduled for 4/28/26. A Rule Nisi is essentially a formal notice that a hearing has been set and that both the defense and prosecution are required to show up and present their positions.
4/27/26
RULE NISI ISSUED — BOND HEARING SCHEDULED IN CARROLL SUPERIOR COURT
What this means: Judge Dustin W. Hightower of the Superior Court of Carroll County issued a Rule Nisi — a court order directing both parties to appear for a hearing — in response to a motion filed by Reynolds Lafayette Bidez to have bond set. The order scheduled a hearing on the defendant’s Motion to Set Bond at the Carroll County Courthouse, located at 311 Newman Street in Carrollton, Georgia. The hearing was set for June 2, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. This document was filed under Case Number 26WA193.
4/28/26
BOND HEARING HELD IN CARROLL COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT
What this means: Reynolds Lafayette Bidez appeared before Carroll County Superior Court for the scheduled bond hearing, as directed by Judge Dustin W. Hightower’s Rule Nisi order. The purpose of this hearing was for the court to consider whether to set a bond — and if so, at what amount — for Reynolds Lafayette Bidez, who has been held in the Carroll County Jail since 3/1/26.
5/14/26
REYNOLDS LAFAYETTE BIDEZ WAIVES FORMAL ARRAIGNMENT AND DEMANDS JURY TRIAL
What this means: Through his attorney Mac Pilgrim, Reynolds Lafayette Bidez formally waived his right to appear in court for arraignment — the hearing where charges are read aloud and a defendant enters a plea — and instead submitted a written waiver. By doing so, Bidez entered a plea of not guilty without appearing in person. At the same time, Bidez demanded that his case be tried before a jury rather than decided by a judge alone. The filing also made clear that this waiver did not give up any other motions already filed or to be filed in the case. This was filed under Case Number 26CR497 in Carroll Superior Court.
6/2/26
CRIMINAL NON-JURY CALENDAR HEARING SCHEDULED — MOTION FOR BOND
What this means: A hearing for Reynolds Lafayette Bidez has been placed on the Carroll County Superior Court’s criminal non-jury calendar for 6/2/26 at 9:00 AM. This type of calendar is used for matters decided by a judge rather than a jury. The scheduled matter involves the motion for bond, meaning the court will again take up the question of whether Reynolds Lafayette Bidez should be released on bond while his case is pending.
6/2/26
JUDGE DENIES BOND FOR REYNOLDS LAFAYETTE BIDEZ
What this means: Following a bond hearing in Carroll Superior Court, a judge of the West Georgia Judicial Circuit denied bond for Reynolds Lafayette Bidez under Warrant No. 26CR0497. The court found three specific reasons to deny bond: that Bidez poses a danger to the community, that there is a risk he could intimidate or influence witnesses, and that there is a likelihood he could commit new felonies if released. Because bond was denied, Bidez remains held in the Carroll County Jail with no option for release while the case moves forward. The order was filed in open court on June 2, 2026.
6/4/26
REYNOLDS LAFAYETTE BIDEZ FILES DEMAND FOR SPEEDY TRIAL
What this means: Reynolds Lafayette Bidez, through his attorney Mac Pilgrim, filed a formal Demand for Speedy Trial in Carroll Superior Court under Case Number 26CR497. Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 17-7-170), when a defendant files this demand, the state is required to try the case at the current court term or the next regular court term. If the state fails to do so, the defendant is entitled to be fully acquitted and discharged. The demand was served on both the judge and the District Attorney’s Office.
6/5/26
RULE NISI ISSUED — STATUS HEARING SCHEDULED ON SPEEDY TRIAL DEMAND
What this means: Judge Dustin W. Hightower of the Carroll Superior Court issued a Rule Nisi in response to Reynolds Lafayette Bidez’s Demand for Speedy Trial filed June 4, 2026. The court found the demand timely under O.C.G.A. § 17-7-170 and ordered both parties to appear for a Status Hearing on June 16, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. The order noted that under Georgia law, Bidez must be tried at the current or next succeeding regular court term. This filing was made under Criminal Action No. 26CR497.
6/9/26
KENDALL TEAL ENTERS APPEARANCE AS COUNSEL FOR REYNOLDS LAFAYETTE BIDEZ
What this means: Attorney Kendall Teal formally entered an appearance in Carroll Superior Court as counsel for Reynolds Lafayette Bidez in Criminal Action No. 26CR497. This means Kendall Teal is now representing the defendant in this case. The entry of appearance puts the court and prosecution on notice of the change in legal representation.
6/10/26
DEFENSE ATTORNEY MAC PILGRIM FILES MOTION TO WITHDRAW
What this means: Attorney J. Mac C. Pilgrim filed a motion in Carroll Superior Court requesting permission to withdraw as counsel for Reynolds Lafayette Bidez in Criminal Action No. 26CR497. The court would need to grant this motion before Pilgrim’s representation officially ends.
6/24/26
DEFENSE ATTORNEY KENDALL TEAL FILES MOTION FOR BOND
What this means: Attorney Kendall Teal filed a motion in Carroll Superior Court on behalf of Reynolds Lafayette Bidez requesting that bond be set. This is a second attempt to secure bond for the defendant, following the judge’s denial of bond on June 2, 2026. The motion asks the court to reconsider and allow Bidez to be released pending trial.
6/26/26
RULE NISI ISSUED — BOND HEARING SCHEDULED FOR JULY 13, 2026
What this means: A judge of Carroll Superior Court issued a Rule Nisi scheduling a hearing to consider Reynolds Lafayette Bidez’s Motion for Bond filed by attorney Kendall Teal. The hearing is set for July 13, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in Carroll Superior Court. At this hearing, the court will decide whether to grant or deny bond for the defendant.
7/13/26
CALENDAR CALL SCHEDULED — JURY TRIAL AND BOND MOTION HEARING
What this means: Carroll Superior Court scheduled two proceedings for July 13, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.: a calendar call for the jury trial (a pre-trial conference to confirm readiness) and a hearing on Reynolds Lafayette Bidez’s Motion for Bond. The calendar call allows the court and both parties to address any outstanding issues before trial.
7/13/26
JUDGE DENIES BOND AGAIN FOR REYNOLDS LAFAYETTE BIDEZ
What this means: Following a second bond hearing in Carroll Superior Court, a judge of the West Georgia Judicial Circuit again denied bond for Reynolds Lafayette Bidez under Warrant No. 26CR497. The court found that Bidez poses a significant risk of intimidating witnesses and a significant risk of committing future felonies if released. Because bond was again denied, Bidez remains held in the Carroll County Jail with no option for release while the case moves forward. The order was signed and filed on July 13, 2026.
7/29/26
STATE FILES NOTICE OF INTENT TO EMPLOY CHILD HEARSAY STATUTE
What this means: The prosecution filed notice that it intends to use the child hearsay statute at trial. This statute allows certain out-of-court statements made by children to be admitted as evidence even though the child may not testify in person or be subject to cross-examination. The prosecution must provide advance notice of this intent so the defense can prepare to respond.
7/29/26
STATE FILES NOTICE OF INTENT TO INTRODUCE BUSINESS RECORDS BY AFFIDAVIT
What this means: The prosecution filed notice that it intends to introduce business records of regularly conducted activity by affidavit at trial. This means the state plans to present records (such as medical records, police reports, or other institutional documents) through a written sworn statement rather than live testimony. The defense is given advance notice so it can object or prepare to challenge these records if necessary.
7/29/26
STATE FILES AMENDED WITNESS LIST
What this means: The prosecution filed an updated list of witnesses it intends to call at trial in the case against Reynolds Lafayette Bidez. This amended list replaces any prior witness list and notifies the defense of who the state plans to have testify.
8/3/26
STATE FILES SECOND NOTICE OF INTENT TO INTRODUCE BUSINESS RECORDS BY AFFIDAVIT
What this means: The prosecution filed a second notice of its intent to introduce business records of regularly conducted activity by affidavit at trial. This may indicate additional business records the state plans to present or clarification of records mentioned in the earlier notice filed on July 29, 2026.
8/31/26
CRIMINAL JURY TRIAL SCHEDULED — SPEEDY TRIAL DEMAND
What this means: Carroll Superior Court has scheduled a criminal jury trial for Reynolds Lafayette Bidez to begin on August 31, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. This trial date is tied directly to Bidez’s formal Demand for Speedy Trial filed on June 4, 2026. Under Georgia law, the state is required to bring the case to trial within the current or next succeeding court term following that demand or risk the charges being dismissed.