Former Ole Miss player and alleged accomplice in kidnapping, conspiracy, appear in court

Former Ole Miss and ex-NFL player Jerrell Powe and an alleged accomplice were both given a $100,000 bond each in a preliminary hearing in Ridgeland Municipal Court on Tuesday afternoon.

Both face charges of kidnapping and conspiracy to commit a crime.

Powe, who resides in Hattiesburg and his alleged accomplice Gavin Bates of California, appeared at a court and were both ordered to meet the requirements of their bond, turn in their passports immediately and not to leave the state.

It was unclear immediately after the court hearing whether either posted bond on Tuesday.

Officials said the charges stem from a Jan. 12 incident in Laurel that ended in Ridgeland when the victim was allegedly kidnapped by Powe and Bates, held against his will and forced to withdraw money at a Ridgeland Chase Bank location.

"You can't break the law and try to get money," said Boty McDonald, prosecutor for the City of Ridgeland.

Shortly after Tuesday's court proceedings, Keith Stall, who said he is a friend of Powe's, said the incident started seven months ago with a medical marijuana investment that went wrong. Stall would not further elaborate.

"Jerrell did not kidnap anyone," Stall said. "The whole situation is wrong and a scam."

Bates and Powe waived their rights to an additional preliminary hearing and the case will go straight to a grand jury, the judge said.

The Clarion Ledger will update this story as more information is provided.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Jerrell Powe, Ex Ole Miss and NFL player charged with kidnapping.