Lawyers: Bond too high for indicted Ga. educators in cheating scandal

4/2/2013

ATLANTA — Lawyers for some of the 35 defendants in Atlanta's school cheating scandal say their bonds are unreasonably high.

Hurl Taylor, who represents test coordinator Donald Bullock, says his client's $1 million bond amounts to cruel and unusual punishment. Bullock was among the first defendants to surrender at the Fulton County Jail early today. All 35 defendants must turn themselves in today.

Warren Fortson, who represents testing coordinator Theresia Copeland, described her as a 56-year-old grandmother. Fortson says her $1 million bond is unnecessary.

In a chaotic scene outside the jail early today, the lawyers said it wasn't clear when their clients would be able to request lower bonds.

The educators are named in a 65-count indictment that alleges a broad conspiracy involving cheating on standardized tests in Atlanta Public Schools.