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Name:
Welch, Keiko
Date of Booking:
06/12/2025
Reason(s) For Booking:
Possession of Methamphetamine (Felony)
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:
6/12/25
ARREST AND BOOKING
What this means: Keiko Welch was arrested and booked into the Cobb County Jail by Officer Sgt. Bryon on charges of possession of methamphetamine (a felony under Georgia’s Controlled Substances Act). She was accused of possessing approximately 0.5 grams of packaged suspected methamphetamine found in her purse.
6/12/25
BOND SET AT $3,500
What this means: Magistrate Judge Don Hicks set Keiko Welch’s bond at $3,500 with standard conditions including no alcohol consumption, no drug possession, submitting to random drug tests, and not changing her address without court notification. The bond order was dated June 12, 2025, and processed through the Cobb County Magistrate Court.
6/15/25
BOND POSTED
What this means: Bond in this criminal court case was posted on June 15, 2025, by Bond – James Bond Bonding Company in the amount of $4,050. Posting bond allowed the defendant to be released from custody while the case remains pending, subject to any conditions set by the court.
6/29/25
CASE TRANSFERRED TO SUPERIOR COURT
What this means: Keiko Welch’s case was administratively transferred from the Magistrate Court to the Cobb County Superior Court without waiving any rights she may have in the Magistrate Court. This transfer occurred on June 20, 2025.
10/24/25
STATE PROSECUTOR ENTERS APPEARANCE
What this means: Assistant District Attorney Erman Tanjuatco officially entered his appearance as the prosecutor representing the State of Georgia in Keiko Welch’s case. This formal filing establishes who will be handling the prosecution.
10/28/25
FORMAL ACCUSATION FILED
What this means: The State of Georgia formally accused Keiko Welch of violating Georgia’s Controlled Substances Act by allegedly possessing methamphetamine on June 11, 2025, in Cobb County. The accusation was filed by Assistant District Attorney Sonya F. Allen and assigns the case to Judge Robert D. Leonard II.
12/2/25
ARRAIGNMENT HEARING AT 9:00AM
What this means: An arraignment hearing is a court proceeding in a criminal case where the defendant is formally informed of the charges against them and asked to enter a plea, such as guilty, not guilty, or no contest. It is typically one of the first steps in the legal process after charges are filed. The arraignment hearing in this case was scheduled for December 2, 2025, at 9:00 AM.
12/2/25
BOND FORFEITURE NOTICE ISSUED
What this means: The court issued a notice that Keiko Welch had failed to appear in court as required under her bond conditions. Judge Robert D. Leonard II ordered the Clerk’s Office to notify the Principal and Bondsman to show cause on May 21, 2026, at 9 AM in Courtroom 6100 as to why her bond should not be forfeited.
12/2/25
BENCH WARRANT ISSUED
What this means: Because Keiko Welch failed to appear for her scheduled arraignment on December 2, 2025, Judge Robert D. Leonard II issued a bench warrant for her arrest. The warrant was for “failure to appear” and authorized law enforcement to arrest her and bring her before the court.
12/15/25
DEFENSE ATTORNEY ENTERS APPEARANCE
What this means: Attorney Jason M. McLendon officially entered his appearance as defense counsel for Keiko Welch in case 25CR03779. McLendon represents clients through his law firm and is licensed to practice law in Georgia (Bar No. 926188).
12/17/25
DEFENDANT’S ADDRESS UPDATED
What this means: Keiko Welch’s defense attorney Jason M. McLendon filed a notice updating her address. The court was requested to update its records with this new contact information.
12/17/25
MOTION TO RECALL BENCH WARRANT FILED
What this means: Defense attorney Jason M. McLendon filed a motion asking Judge Robert D. Leonard II to recall (cancel) the bench warrant issued against Keiko Welch. The motion explains that she failed to appear because she is 79 years old and legally blind, the notice was returned to sender, and her family has now hired counsel to handle the case. The defense promises she will appear for all future court dates.
12/18/25
HEARING SCHEDULED FOR BENCH WARRANT MOTION
What this means: The court scheduled a hearing for January 12, 2026, at 1:30 PM in Courtroom 6100 at the Cobb County Superior Court to consider the motion to set aside the bench warrant. The hearing notice was served to both defense counsel and prosecutor Erman Tanjuatco.
12/23/25
CERTIFIED MAIL RECEIPTS FILED
What this means: The court filed certified mail receipts showing that documents in Keiko Welch’s case were mailed to her at addresses and to a P.O. Box address for James Bond. These receipts provide proof that proper notice was attempted to be given to relevant parties.
1/12/26
BENCH WARRANT RECALLED
What this means: Judge Robert D. Leonard II granted the defense motion and recalled (canceled) the bench warrant that had been issued against Keiko Welch on December 2, 2025. This means she is no longer subject to immediate arrest on the warrant, though she still must appear for future court dates.
1/23/26
STATE PROVIDES DISCOVERY MATERIALS
What this means: The prosecution provided Keiko Welch’s defense team with evidence and materials related to her case, including copies of the indictment/accusation, witness lists, arrest warrant, defendant’s criminal history, police reports, and notice that police audio/video evidence will be made available via Axon-Evidence.com. The state also notified the defense of their intent to seek enhanced punishment based on any prior convictions.
1/23/26
STATE FILES DISCOVERY DEMANDS
What this means: The prosecution filed formal demands requiring Keiko Welch’s defense team to provide certain materials if they plan to use them at trial, including scientific reports, witness statements, witness information, and any physical evidence they intend to introduce. The defense must comply within ten days of the state’s compliance with discovery demands, but no less than five days before trial.
4/22/26
CALENDAR CALL HEARING SCHEDULED
What this means: The court has scheduled a calendar call hearing for Keiko Welch’s case on April 22, 2026, at 9:00 AM in Cobb County Superior Court. A calendar call is typically where the court and attorneys discuss scheduling for trial and address any pending motions or plea negotiations.
5/21/26
ALL CHARGES DROPPED — NOLLE PROSEQUI ENTERED
What this means: On May 21, 2026, the Cobb County Superior Court entered a nolle prosequi — a formal legal declaration that the State of Georgia is dropping all charges against Keiko Welch in case 25CR03779. This means the possession of methamphetamine charge against her is dismissed and the case is closed. The document was filed in the office of Cobb County Superior Court Clerk Connie Taylor at 1:36 PM on May 21, 2026.