DETROIT – An accused hit-and-run driver is now facing charges in a separate crime that police say he committed while he was out on bail.
Two weeks ago 19-year-old William Worthy was arrested in connection with a deadly hit-and-run accident that killed 16-year-old Michael Yost Jr. last October near Greenfield Road and Outer Drive, when Yost was on his way to school with his step father Marlon Franklin.
"One hundred forty-eight days after my son was killed, I got the call from Detroit police telling me they got him. I was so grateful," said Franklin. "It was slow going with information in the beginning but they didn't give up."
Worthy was arraigned March 9. He's charged with: failure to stop at scene causing death; driving on a suspended license causing death; and driving a stolen vehicle.
Magistrate Charles Anderson, of 36th District Court, issued Worthy a $10,000 (10 percent) bond during his arraignment. The bond far too law for Yost's family.
"The bond the judge set was absurd, far too low for taking someone's life," said Franklin. "Someone posted that $1,000 bond for him and he went and committed another crime."
According to Livonia police, on March 17, eight days after Worthy was out on bail, he was arrested in Livonia for stealing mosaic tiles from the Home Depot on Middlebelt Road at Schoolcraft.
Livonia police said he cooperated with police, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 25 days in jail for 3rd degree retail fraud.
On Thursday, Worthy was back in court for a hearing on the hit-and-run. The prosecutor requested a higher bond be set. Judge Lydia Nance Adams agreed.
"I think the $10,000, 10 percent is too low when looking at these charges," said Judge Nance Adams. "I am increasing bond to $50,000, 10 percent."
Franklin said he's happy with the change.
"It's a step in the right direction," he said. "$5,000 isn't enough for my sons life but at least they recognized it needed to be increased."
Worthy will be back in court for a preliminary exam March 31.
Detroit police said Worthy has a lengthy criminal history which includes charges of larceny of a motor vehicle and carrying a concealed weapon in 2014.
Yost's family and friends are hosting fundraiser Friday, March 25 at Detroit Roller Wheels on Schoolcraft.
More: MDYostJr.org