A judge has granted a motion to reduce the bond of a Cerulean woman who was previously convicted of attempted murder and arson in connection to a 2018 mobile home fire in Christian County.
Christian Circuit Court Chief Judge John Atkins signed a bond order amending Karen Brafman’s $100,000 bond to $25,000 cash or real property worth $50,000. According to the order, Brafman’s conditions of release include travel restrictions within Christian County, only and home incarceration 24/7 with pre-arranged travel approved by Christian County Alternative Services. In addition, Brafman was ordered no contact with anyone associated with the case.
Karen Brafman, her attorney Eric Bearden, and Assistant Attorney General Jim Lesousky appeared virtually before Judge Atkins last week to discuss a possible reduction in bond. Lesousky argued against a bond reduction claiming Brafman endangered the lives of four children and two adults who were inside the home when she set the fire.
Brafman was previously found guilty by a jury and given a life sentence for charges of first-degree arson, second-degree arson, and six counts of attempted murder. The charges stem from May 2018 when state police said she set fire to a mobile home on Princeton Road with the children and adults inside.
In December, the Kentucky Supreme Court reversed the lower court decision and said Brafman was denied a fair trial when Commonwealth’s Attorney Rick Boling opposed the defense motive of intoxication.
Judge Atkins set a jury trial date for October 18 and 19 if the case is not dismissed. Currently, a dismissal hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, May 26.
