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Name:
Brown, Reginald Java
Date of Booking:
12/27/2025
Reason(s) For Booking:
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT – F
POSSESSION OF FIREARM OR KNIFE DURING COMMISSION OF OR ATTEMPT TO COMMIT CERTAIN FELONIES – F
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 12/27/2025 I was conducting routine patrol in my police marked cruiser, in Savannah GA, while in police uniform. At approximately 1443 hours, myself and Officer Martinez were dispatched to [800 BLOCK] Carver St Savannah, GA 31415, in reference to a cutting. The call was made from the victim, Ms. [VICTIM #1] (black female, dark hair, 36 years old).
I arrived on scene at approximately 1452 hours and dispatch had updated notes in NCIC/GCIC while we were en route that the suspect (Reginald Brown) had fled the scene and threw a knife out of the car window somewhere on W Gwinnett St. When Officer Martinez and I arrived, we secured the scene and made sure no other suspects were located near the area and I began setting up crime scene tape to establish a perimeter, as well as started a crime scene log.
Once the crime scene was secured, I began speaking with the surrounding neighbors at [800 BLOCK], [800 BLOCK], [800 BLOCK] and [800 BLOCK] Carver St to see if anyone witnessed the incident, as well as see if any video was recorded at the time from doorbell and/or security cameras along the residences. No one reported witnessing the incident, however, I spoke with the resident [REDACTED] at [800 BLOCK] Carver St Savannah, GA 31415. Ms. [REDACTED] allowed me to review her doorbell camera footage from her cell phone, and the incident from the street and porch view was visible and recorded. I created a community request link in axon and sent Ms. [REDACTED] the link with information on how to submit the video for evidence.
At approximately 1730 hours, Ms. [VICTIM #1] arrived back at the scene, and I delayed her from entering the house until the crime scene detectives allowed her access. I continued the chain of custody log until Officer Martinez and I were relieved from the scene. As of the time of writing this report, no video has been submitted from the resident for review.
[End of Narrative]
The information below reflects all details available at the time of publication and was obtained directly from the official court database accessible to the public. Court records are subject to change at any time at the court’s discretion. The Georgia Gazette is not responsible for errors, omissions, or discrepancies within the docket. No information provided should be construed as legal advice or opinion. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Case History:
1/2/26
FIRST APPEARANCE
What this means: Reginald Java Brown appeared before Judge Crystal Denise Harmon in Chatham County Recorder’s Court for his first court appearance after being arrested on 12/27/25. This is typically when defendants are informed of the charges against them and advised of their rights. Brown is accused of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
1/2/26
BOND DENIED
What this means: Judge Crystal Denise Harmon denied bond for Reginald Java Brown in case RCCR26-00131. The court determined that Brown poses a significant risk of danger or threat to persons, the community, or property. This means Brown must remain in custody at the Chatham County Detention Center while his case proceeds through the court system.
2/4/26
TRANSPORT ORDER ISSUED FOR PRELIMINARY HEARING
What this means: Judge Crystal Denise Harmon ordered the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office to transport Reginald Java Brown from the detention center to the Coleman Courthouse for a preliminary hearing scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Since Brown was denied bond, he needs official transport for all court appearances. Assistant District Attorney Sarah Moorhead was copied on this order.
2/4/26
BOUND OVER TO SUPERIOR COURT
What this means: After the preliminary hearing, Reginald Java Brown’s case was bound over to Superior Court. This means the Recorder’s Court judge found probable cause that felonies were committed and that Brown may have committed them. His case will now move to the higher court that handles felony cases, where more serious proceedings like grand jury indictment and potential trial would take place.
2/10/26
ATTORNEY ENTERS APPEARANCE
What this means: Martin G. Hilliard filed a notice of appearance to represent Reginald Java Brown in Superior Court case SPCR26-00356-J1. This formally establishes Hilliard as Brown’s defense attorney for the aggravated assault and knife possession charges. The notice was served on District Attorney Shalena Cook-Jones.
2/10/26
PETITION FOR BOND RECONSIDERATION FILED
What this means: Attorney Martin G. Hilliard filed a petition asking the Superior Court to set bond for Reginald Java Brown in a reasonable amount. The petition notes that Brown is charged with aggravated assault and possession of a firearm or knife during commission of a felony and has been held in the Chatham County jail since December 27, 2025, without any bond previously being set.
2/10/26
RULE NISI ISSUED FOR BOND HEARING
What this means: The court issued a rule nisi scheduling a bond hearing for February 12, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. before Judge Benjamin Karpf in Chatham County Superior Court. This means the state must appear and show cause why Reginald Java Brown’s request for bond should not be granted. A rule nisi is a court order that will become absolute unless the opposing party shows cause why it should not.
2/17/26
BOND HEARING SCHEDULED
What this means: A bond hearing for Reginald Java Brown was scheduled for 9:00 a.m. before Judge Benjamin W. Karpf in case SPCR26-00356-J1. The court docket shows that Assistant District Attorney Richard Harrison represents the state, and indicates that counsel requested the matter be held to a later docket or continued due to a conflict.
3/18/26
INDICTMENT FILED
What this means: A Chatham County grand jury formally indicted Reginald Java Brown on two felony counts. Count 1 charges aggravated assault for allegedly making an assault on a person with a knife on or about December 27, 2025. Count 2 charges possession of a knife during commission of a felony for allegedly having a knife with a three-inch blade during the commission of the aggravated assault. The indictment was signed by District Attorney Shalena Cook Jones and moves the case to Superior Court with case number SPCR26-00356-J1.
3/18/26
SECOND PETITION FOR BOND RECONSIDERATION FILED
What this means: Attorney Martin G. Hilliard filed another petition for reconsideration of bond for Reginald Java Brown, again requesting the Superior Court set bond in a reasonable amount. Brown remained in custody since December 27, 2025, with no bond previously set for the aggravated assault and knife possession charges.
3/18/26
RULE NISI ISSUED FOR HEARING
What this means: The court issued a rule nisi requiring the state to appear before Judge Benjamin Karpf on March 24, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. to show cause why Reginald Java Brown’s motion for bond should not be granted.
3/23/26
ORDER ON SCHEDULING AND DISCOVERY ENTERED
What this means: Judge Benjamin W. Karpf entered a standing order in Reginald Java Brown’s case establishing the procedures for discovery and scheduling. The order references standard discovery rules for criminal cases and criminal pretrial scheduling orders, both dated May 22, 2025. This sets the framework for how evidence will be shared between the prosecution and defense as the case moves forward.
3/23/26
ATTORNEY FILES CONFLICT LETTER
What this means: Martin G. Hilliard filed a letter with the court explaining that he has a scheduling conflict for March 24, 2026. He has eight bond hearings scheduled between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m. in Chatham County, plus a federal court matter at 9:30 a.m. Hilliard requested that cases set for 9:00 a.m. be held until a later docket or continued to another date, citing court rules about case priority and his role as lead counsel.
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