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Star News TV
– Former Martinsville Vice Mayor Jennifer Bowles is facing 15 criminal charges in South Carolina, and now supporters are hoping the public will help pick up the tab for her legal defense and recovery.
Two online fundraising campaigns, organized by DeShanta Hairston under the theme "Stand With Jennifer," have been established to assist Bowles and her family following her highly publicized arrest in Lancaster, South Carolina.
The campaigns have a combined fundraising goal of $25,000.
The first campaign, "Stand With Jennifer: Mental Health Care & Recovery," has reportedly raised $750 toward a $10,000 goal.
The second, "Standing With Jennifer: Legal Defense/Due Process," has reportedly collected $125 toward a $15,000 goal.
Together, the two campaigns have raised a reported $875, leaving $24,125 to go before reaching their combined targets.
The fundraising effort comes just days after Bowles was arrested following a chaotic incident at a Home Depot parking lot in Lancaster, where police say multiple vehicles were damaged.
Bowles faces 15 criminal charges, including aggravated assault-related offenses, malicious injury to property and disorderly conduct.
The incident has attracted considerable attention in Martinsville, where Bowles previously served on City Council and held the position of vice mayor.
According to the mental health fundraiser, Bowles' family and longtime friends are concerned about her well-being and believe she may need professional support.
The campaign acknowledges that no medical diagnosis has been confirmed and asks the public to consider compassion alongside accountability.
Organizers say donations to the recovery campaign will assist with medical and mental health services, counseling, family travel, essential living expenses and other recovery-related needs.
The campaign identifies Bowles' sister, Jacqueline Strand, as the person responsible for receiving and managing the recovery funds. Money from that campaign is not intended for criminal-defense expenses.
The separate legal defense fundraiser is intended to help with the financial burden of addressing the charges against Bowles.
The efforts represent a new chapter in a controversy that has already generated headlines, social media debate and public expressions of support for the former vice mayor.
Former Martinsville City Councilman Chad Martin has also publicly encouraged people to stand behind Bowles as she navigates the legal process.
For now, supporters are asking the community to open its wallets while Bowles prepares to address the allegations in court.
The fundraising goals total $25,000. The criminal charges total 15. And the questions surrounding what happened in that South Carolina parking lot remain far from settled.
Bowles is presumed innocent of all criminal charges unless and until proven guilty in court.
💜 STANDING WITH JENNIFER: TWO WAYS TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT 💜
For more than 30 years, I've had the privilege of calling Jennifer Bowles my friend. We met in the first grade, grew up together, and graduated from high school together. I've watched her accomplish incredible things, build a career, serve our community, and make history right here in Martinsville.
But beyond all the accomplishments, titles, and recognition, Jennifer is a daughter, sister, friend, and someone who is deeply loved. The events of the past several days have been heartbreaking for those of us who know her, and especially for her family.
As many are aware, Jennifer is currently facing serious legal challenges. At the same time, her loved ones have significant concerns about her mental health and well-being. While we don't have all the answers, we are hopeful that she will receive the appropriate care, support, and legal representation she needs.
With her family's approval, I've established two separate fundraising efforts to help support her through this difficult time.
🩷 CARE & RECOVERY FUND 🩷
This fundraiser will help with eligible mental health and recovery-related needs, necessary family travel, and essential living expenses as Jennifer's loved ones continue working to ensure she receives the care and support she needs.
🔗 https://www.givesendgo.com/stand-with-jennifer-care...
‼️LEGAL DEFENSE & DUE PROCESS FUND‼️
This fundraiser will help cover qualifying legal-defense expenses, ensure Jennifer has access to appropriate legal representation, and protect her right to due process and fair treatment throughout the legal proceedings.
🔗 https://www.givesendgo.com/stand-with-jennifer-legal-defense
Each fundraiser has a separate purpose, and donations will be managed accordingly.
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