July term of Clinton Circuit Court conducted

Posted July 26, 2017 at 8:44 am

The monthly term of Clinton Circuit Court was held on Thursday, July 13 with Circuit Judge David L. Williams presiding over a heavy calendar of cases. The following are those in which some type of resolutions were reached, either formal sentencing, plea agreements or rulings being made.

* In the case of Commonwealth vs. Joseph Glen Carey (Cumberland County case), a plea was entered.

The Commonwealth recommended that upon a plea of guilty to trafficking in a controlled substance first degree and persistent felony offender second degree, the defendant would receive a 10-year sentence, serve 90 days in jail with the balance probated for five years with supervision.

Final sentencing was scheduled for July 27.

* Sentencing was held in the case of Commonwealth vs. Carah W. Bell, pursuant to a plea agreement reached on June 8.

The defendant entered a plea of guilty to theft by unlawful taking or disposition with a one-year sentence imposed, to run consecutive with a separate indictment from Wayne County. The defendant also received credit for time served.

* Sentencing was held in the case of Commonwealth vs. Chad Dale Massengale, pursuant to an agreement reached on June 14.

The defendant pled guilty to manufacturing methamphetamine with a 10-year sentence imposed. Pursuant to the recommendation of the Commonwealth, the defendant shall serve 180 days in jail with the balance probated for five years with supervision and complete one year in-patient treatment. The following charges were dismissed: unlawful possession of a meth precursor, possession of drug paraphernalia and persistent felony offender second degree.

* Sentencing was held in the case of Commonwealth vs. Shayne Capps, pursuant to a prosecution motion to revoke probation on June 8, which was granted by the court.

The defendant was found to be guilty of wanton endangerment first degree with a three-year sentence imposed, to be probated for five years on the condition the defendant completes the Clinton County Drug Court Program and will receive credit for time served.

* During arraignment in the case of Commonwealth vs. Tina Geraldine Parrigin, charged with trafficking in a controlled substance first degree, first offense, the defendant entered a not guilty plea with a pretrial date scheduled for August 10.

Due to the fact the defendant had failed to be drug tested through Pretrial Services the Court requested the defendant be drug tested. The defendant admitted to the use of methamphetamine and the Court revoked bond and had the defendant placed into custody.

* During arraignment in the case of Commonwealth vs. Timothy Randall Parrigin, charged with trafficking in a controlled substance first degree, first offense, the defendant entered a not guilty plea with a pretrial conference scheduled for August 10.

Due to the fact the defendant had failed to be drug tested through Pretrial Services the Court requested he be drug test. The defendant admitted to the use of methamphetamine and the Court revoked bond and had the defendant taken into custody.

* During a pretrial conference in the case of Commonwealth vs. Rickey Odell Stockton, charged with assault first degree, wanton endangerment first degree and various traffic violations, the defendant entered a plea of not guilty with a trial date scheduled for November 17 and a pretrial conference set for September 14.

* During a pretrial conference in the case of Commonwealth vs. Joshua Elbie Davis, charged with cultivation of marijuana, five or more plants, the Court wrote the trial date remains for August 14 and further, the defendant had not been appearing for drug testing. The Court ordered the defendant be drug tested, with him showing positive for methamphetamine. The Court revoked the defendant’s bond and had him taken into custody.

* During a revocation hearing in the case of Commonwealth vs. Travis C. Flowers, charged with theft by unlawful taking or disposition (two charges), the defendant acknowledged having violated the terms and conditions of pretrial diversion and the Court revoked same.

Final sentencing was set for July 27 and the defendant is to be assessed regarding eligibility for the Clinton County Drug Court Program.

* During arraignment in the case of Commonwealth vs. Michael David Dalton, charged with cultivation of marijuana, five or more plants, the defendant entered a plea of not guilty with a trial scheduled for September 26-27 and a pretrial conference for August 10.

* During arraignment in the case of Commonwealth vs. Darrel Eugene Dalton, charged with cultivation of marijuana, five plants or more, the defendant entered a plea of not guilty with a trial scheduled for September 26-27 and a pretrial conference for August 10.

* During a pretrial conference in the case of Commonwealth vs. Robbie K. Conner, charged with wanton endangerment first degree and operating a motor vehicle under the influence, the Court noted the trial date remains set for September 20.

* During a pretrial conference in the case of Commonwealth vs. Shirley D. Conaster, charged with cultivation of marijuana, five plants or more, trafficking in marijuana less than eight ounces, possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, the Court noted the case remains set for trial on August 14.

* During scheduled sentencing, in the case of Commonwealth vs. Byron R. Taylor, charged with theft by unlawful taking over $500 but less than $10,000 and persistent felony offender second degree, sentencing was continued until July 27 in the Cumberland Circuit Courtroom.

* During sentencing, in the case of Commonwealth vs. Thomas Joe Tucker, charged with flagrant non-support, the Court requested the defendant be drug tested. The defendant tested positive for marijuana and methamphetamine and was taken into custody. Final sentencing has been rescheduled for August 10.

* During a revocation hearing in the case of Commonwealth vs. Howard Woodson, charged with trafficking in a controlled substance second degree, first offense, the Court allowed attorney Wanda White to withdraw as counsel and the matter was continued until August 10.

* During motion hour to revoke bond, in the case of Commonwealth vs. Christopher A. Pierce, charged with criminal mischief first degree, theft by unlawful taking, assault third degree of a police officer, resisting arrest and three counts of persistent felony offender second degree, the defendant did not appear and an arrest warrant was issued. The court revoked bond and requested the bond forfeiture proceedings be initiated.

* During a pretrial conference, in the case of Commonwealth vs. Nathan M. Gray, charged with possession of a controlled substance first degree (meth), and possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, the defendant did not appear and a warrant of arrest was issued.

* During arraignment, in the case of Commonwealth vs. Mitchell Dale Comstock, charged with flagrant non-support, the defendant did not appear and the defendant was placed in NCIC.

* During a pretrial conference in the case of Commonwealth vs. Andrea D. Ruby, originally charged with possession of a controlled substance first degree, by agreement with the Commonwealth, the matter was dismissed.

Several other cases were on the docket, with several motions granted for destruction of evidence; several being arraigned and entering not guilty pleas, with only pretrial conference dates being scheduled, and other cases were continued for review or other reasons.