Clinton Circuit Court news

A local man who pled guilty to a lesser charge as opposed to a murder indictment received formal sentencing on Monday, September 16 in Clinton Circuit Court.

Clinton Circuit Judge David L. Williams, following the recommendation of the Commonwealth following a plea agreement in the case of Ira Boles Dyer, III, handed down a total 25-year sentence in relation to a vehicle accident in the spring of 2011 that took the life of an elderly Albany woman, Ina Edwards, and caused injuries to other passengers in both vehicles.

Dyer pled guilty to a reduced charge of second degree manslaughter enhanced by persistent felony offender second degree and received a 20-year sentence. In addition, he entered a guilty plea on three counts each of wanton endangerment first degree and second degree persistent felony offender with a five year sentence on each count to run concurrent. However, the 20-year sentence and five-year sentence will run consecutive for a total of 25 years.

One count of operating a motor vehicle under the influence was dismissed and he will receive credit for jail time already served.

Several other cases were heard in court during the September term, with the following cases having some type of resolution made and/or trial date scheduled:

* During a revocation hearing in the case of Commonwealth vs. Ronnie Wright, charged with tampering with physical evidence, receiving stolen property, engaging in organized crime-criminal syndicate and three counts of persistent felony offender first degree, the court concluded he had violated the terms and conditions of his probation, which was revoked. The defendant will serve the balance of a 15-year sentence and receive credit for time already served.

* During a pretrial conference, a plea agreement was reached in the case of Commonwealth vs. Gabrielle Nicole Guthrie.

The Commonwealth recommended dismissing a charge of complicity to burglary second degree, failure to maintain insurance, reckless driving, fleeing or evading police, manufacturing methamphetamine and no/expired plates. Upon a plea of guilty to possession of a meth precursor, the defendant would receive a five-year sentence to serve, pretrial diverted for five years with supervision and be assessed for the Clinton County Drug Court Program.

* During a pretrial conference, a plea agreement was reached in the case of Commonwealth vs. Whitley Walling.

The Commonwealth recommended amending the charge of marijuana cultivation over five plants to less than five plants, and upon a plea of guilty to the lesser charge, the defendant would receive a 12-month sentence, probated for two years and pay a $250 fine. The probation will be unsupervised if the defendant resides outside of Clinton County or supervised if residing in the county.

* During a pretrial conference, a plea agreement was reached in the case of Commonwealth vs. Daniel Walling.

The Commonwealth recommended amending the charge of marijuana cultivation more than five plants to less than five plants. On a plea of guilty to the lesser charge, the defendant would receive a 90-day sentence, probated for 90 days unsupervised and pay a $250 fine. A misdemeanor judgment was entered.

* During a pretrial conference, a plea agreement was reached in the case of Commonwealth vs. Jill R. Walling.

The Commonwealth recommended amending a charge of marijuana cultivation more than five plants to less than five plants. On a plea of guilty to the lesser charge, the defendant would receive a 90-day sentence, probated for 90 days unsupervised and pay a $250 fine. A misdemeanor judgment was entered.

* During arraignment in the case of Commonwealth vs. Michael L. Tweedy, charged with burglary second degree, the defendant, through counsel, entered a not guilty plea. A trial date of November 26 was scheduled with a pretrial conference set for October 21.

* During a revocation hearing in the case of Commonwealth vs. Chancellor A. Britt, charged with four counts of first degree wanton endangerment, leaving the scene of an accident and receiving stolen property under $10,000, the court directed the defendant be drug tested. He tested positive for marijuana and the court concluded he had violated the terms of pretrial diversion and revoked same.

Final sentencing is scheduled for October 21.

* During a revocation hearing in the case of Commonwealth vs. Amy Angel, charged with flagrant nonsupport, the court concluded the defendant had violated terms of pretrial diversion by being terminated from the Clinton County Drug Court Program and revoked same.

Final sentencing is scheduled for October 21.

* During a motion to revoke in the case of Commonwealth vs. Carolyn Davidson, charged with engaging in organized crime-criminal syndicate and receiving stolen property, the court ordered the defendant enter a long-term rehabilitation center and the motion will be reviewed after completion.

* During a revocation hearing in the case of Commonwealth vs. Donnie Edwards, charged with flagrant nonsupport, the prosecution withdrew its motion to revoke.

* During a pretrial conference in the case of Commonwealth vs. Jerry B. Simpson, charged with assault first degree, the court sustained a motion to withdraw, found the defendant in contempt of court and he will be held in jail until December 16, at which time he will appear in court with new counsel. The defendant had been represented by Attorney Stephen Poindexter.

* During motion hour in the case of Commonwealth vs. Brian A. Speck, charged with promoting contraband first degree and persistent felony offender second degree, the court declined to grant shock probation.

* During a revocation hearing in the case of Wesley Stewart, charged with tampering with physical evidence, receiving stolen property under $10,000 and engaging in organized crime-criminal syndicate, the Commonwealth withdrew its motion to revoke and the warrant of arrest was withdrawn.

* During a revocation hearing in the case of Commonwealth vs. Paulette Wilson, charged with tampering with physical evidence, theft by unlawful taking, and persistent felony offender first degree, the defendant did not appear. A warrant of arrest had previously been entered and the defendant will be placed in NCIC.

* During a revocation hearing in the case of Commonwealth vs. Aaron Shearer, charged with flagrant nonsupport, the defendant did not appear and an order of arrest was issued.

* In the case of Commonwealth vs. Randall L. Wilkinson, Jr., charged with burglary second degree and criminal mischief second degree, sentencing was continued to October 21.

* During motion hour, in the case of Commonwealth vs. Tracy Thurman, originally charged with cultivation of marijuana over five plants, first offense, the court granted a motion for expungement with an order to be tendered.

Several other cases were brought before the court on September 16, with cases being continued or having future court proceeding dates scheduled.