NATCHEZ — Following his initial court appearance Aug. 14 for similar felony charges on two different occasions, a Natchez man is free on a property bond of $6,000.

Kevin Johnson was first arrested July 15 on Abbot Street for possession of marijuana and a loaded pistol.

After deputies reportedly chased Johnson on foot and discharged a stun gun twice to subdue him, he was released the following day on a recognizance bond under the direction of Adams County Justice Court Judge Patricia Dunmore.

The same charges were filed against Johnson a little more than a week later, when deputies reportedly found him in possession of a loaded pistol and marijuana again July 28 on Dumas Drive.

Dunmore did not issue a bond for the second arrest until Johnson’s initial hearing on Aug. 14, after which he was required to put up personal property equal to or greater than the amount of $6,000 to be released until his next court appearance.

Adams County Sheriff Travis Patten said he believes it was fair and just for Johnson to receive a property bond over a recognizance bond after the series of events.

“He didn’t just walk out on with a slap on the wrist,” Patten said. “(The property bond) does give a sense of urgency — actions have consequences.”

Patten advocated a more severe bond for Johnson after his first arrest and said his reason for doing so is not personal.

“This isn’t a personal thing against Kevin Johnson,” Patten said. “It’s the act that he committed. It’s those types of actions that we’re trying to prevent from happening in our community.”

Patten said he and the deputies of the Adams County Sheriff’s Office firmly believe in stopping all crime involving weapons, whatever the court costs may be.

“We need everyone to understand that we’re serious about putting an end to the use of guns in connection with violence. We have a zero tolerance approach to any crimes committed that involve the use of guns or any other weapons.”