An Orange County judge charged with murder might face restrictions at a bail hearing scheduled for Tuesday. The hearing will determine whether he can remain free on bail and, if so, the conditions of his release.
Jeffrey Ferguson, 72 years old, is charged with murdering his wife, Sheryl, in their Anaheim Hills residence on August 3. Ferguson allegedly confessed to his court clerk and bailiff via text that he “just lost it” during an argument with his wife.
The couple’s adult son, who alerted the police about the incident, claimed that Ferguson was intoxicated at the time of the shooting.
Currently released on $1 million bail, Ferguson faces 40 years to life in prison if convicted on all counts. The Orange County District Attorney’s Office is seeking to impose restrictions on the former prosecutor.
The restrictions proposed by the prosecutors include surrendering his passport, staying within Los Angeles, Riverside, and Orange counties, wearing an ankle GPS monitor, revoking his concealed weapons permit, abstaining from possessing guns, ammunition, or alcohol, and avoiding contact with his son who reported the shooting, barring certain circumstances.
The case underscores the significant issues of accountability and justice within the judicial system, with a notable figure facing serious charges.