The man arrested for aggravated stalking of Miami Commissioner Marc Sarnoff was granted $5,000 bond in court Friday, but will remain in custody until he sees a new judge Monday.
Reid Welch, 57, was arrested Friday morning and faces an aggravated stalking charge for allegedly sending two emails to Sarnoff after an injunction was issued, according to Miami Police. The injunction for protection stated that Welch could not contact Sarnoff in any manner.
A police department supervisor asked that bond be set as high as possible to ensure Sarnoff's safety.
Judge Bertila Soto said that regardless of the outcome of Welch's case, she was entering an order in favor of Sarnoff that would ensure that Welch stay away from him. She said Welch could face a year in jail if he violates that order.
In court, Welch told Soto that he was unemployed.
“I am disabled,” he said. “I write to pass the time. I live at home in the garage space and I write on a computer to pass the time. I am a little frustrated with some political issues.”
Welch also told the court that he believes he has post-traumatic stress disorder stemming from his first arrest three years ago. He declined medical treatment.
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Sarnoff and Welch had an encounter in October 2011 when Welch alleged that Sarnoff came at him running after an altercation with his neighbor. No one was arrested after the incident.
