The Clinton County Grand Jury and Clinton Circuit Court both held regular sessions on Thursday, November 2, with indictments, mostly multi-count, being returned in open court and judge David L. Williams presiding over the circuit court calender.

The following true bills were returned by the grand jury this month:

* Tommy Phillips, the alleged offenses of theft by unlawful taking or disposition over $10,000 but less than $100,000, Class C felony and persistent felony offender first degree. The alleged offenses occurred on or about September 15 through October 10.

* Ricky Stockton, the alleged offenses of operating a motor vehicle on a suspended or revoked license, possession of a controlled substance first degree and tampering with physical evidence, the latter two charges Class D felonies, having occurred on or about May 28.

* Danny Carrender, the alleged offenses of possession of controlled substances not in original container (three counts, Class B misdemeanors); possession of drug paraphernalia (Class A misdemeanor); possession of marijuana (Class B misdemeanor); possession of a controlled substance third degree (three counts); trafficking in a controlled substance third degree (three counts); and possession of a controlled substance first degree, Class D felony. The alleged offenses occurred on or about July 5.

* Brian Lee Carrender, the alleged offenses of trafficking in a controlled substance third degree (three counts, Class A misdemeanor); operating a motor vehicle under the influence; possession of a controlled substance first degree, Class D felony; three counts of possession of a controlled substance not in original container (Class B misdemeanor); possession of drug paraphernalia (Class A misdemeanor); three counts of third degree possession of a controlled substance; and possession of marijuana (Class B misdemeanor). The alleged offenses occurred on or about July 5.

* Laura S. Garrett, the alleged offenses of possession of a controlled substance first degree, Class D felony; three counts of possession of a controlled substance not in original container (Class B misdemeanor); possession of drug paraphernalia (Class A misdemeanor); possession of marijuana (Class B misdemeanor); three counts of possession of a controlled substance third degree; and three counts of trafficking in a controlled substance third degree (Class A misdemeanor). The alleged offenses occurred on or about July 5.

* Johnathon L. Collins, the alleged offenses of possession of drug paraphernalia, Class A misdemeanor; two counts of possession of controlled substances not in original container, Class B misdemeanors; two counts of possession of a controlled substance first degree, Class D felonies; driving on a suspended license; and possession of a legend drug, Class A misdemeanor. The alleged offenses occurred on or about September 15.

(Editor’s Note: An indictment is a statement of probable cause to believe an offense has been committed and further court proceedings are warranted. Those individuals named in an indictment are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.)

Clinton Circuit Court:

The monthly term of Clinton Circuit Court was also held on November 2 and the following are cases in which some type of resolutions were reached, including sentencing, plea agreements, trial dates set, motions ruled on, etc.

* Sentencing was held in the case of Commonwealth vs. Anthony B. Lee, pursuant to a plea agreement effectuated on October 12.

The defendant pled guilty to second degree assault with a 10 year sentence imposed. Pursuant to the agreement with the Commonwealth, the defendant will serve 11 months with the sentence probated for five years with supervision, have no contact with the victim or immediate family and be assessed by the Social Service Clinician.

* During a pretrial conference, a plea agreement was reached in the case of Commonwealth vs. Allen D. Johnson.

The Commonwealth recommended upon a plea of guilty to theft by unlawful taking or disposition over $500, the defendant would receive a five year sentence and upon a plea of guilty to criminal mischief, receive a five year sentence and further, on a plea of guilty to third degree burglary, a five year sentence. Two of the five year sentences will run concurrent with each other for a total of five years to run consecutively with the remaining five year sentence for a total sentence of 10 years. The defendant shall serve 210 days in jail with the balance probated for five years with supervision, receive credit for time served and pay restitution jointly and severally with a codefendant in the amount of $1,050.00.

Final sentencing is scheduled for December 7.

* Sentencing was held in the case of Commonwealth vs. Cody D. Chilton, pursuant to a plea agreement reached on October 12.

The defendant pled guilty to possession of a controlled substance first degree with a three year sentence imposed and guilty to fleeing or evading first degree with a five year sentence and burglary second degree with a 10 year sentence. The three sentences shall run concurrent for 10 years.

Pursuant to the recommendation by the Commonwealth, the defendant shall serve six months in jail with the balance probated five years with supervision and enter and complete the Clinton County Drug Court Program.

* During a pretrial conference, a plea agreement was reached in the case of Commonwealth vs. Anthony L. Richardson.

The Commonwealth recommended dismissing the charge of hindering prosecution. Upon a plea of guilty to theft by unlawful taking over $500, the defendant shall receive a five year sentence and upon a plea of guilty to criminal mischief first degree, a five year sentence, and on a plea of burglary third degree, a five year sentence, all to run concurrent for five years. The defendant shall serve 90 days with the balance probated for five years with supervision, and pay restitution jointly and severally with a codefendant in the amount of $1,050.00.

Final sentencing is scheduled for December 7.

* During motion hour, in the case of Commonwealth vs. Tiana Smith, originally charged with four counts of criminal possession of a forged instrument, the defendant acknowledged having violated the terms and conditions of pretrial diversion and the court revoked same.

* During a revocation hearing in the case of Commonwealth vs. Kyle Matthews, charged with burglary third degree and fourth degree assault, the court determined the defendant had violated the terms and conditions of pretrial diversion and revoked same.

* During a revocation hearing in the case of Brandon Levi Hall, charged with trafficking in marijuana over eight ounces, but less than five pounds, the defendant acknowledged having violated the terms and conditions of probation and the court revoked same.

* During a revocation hearing in the case of Commonwealth vs. Amanda Glidewell, charged with multiple drug related counts, the court determined the defendant had violated the terms and conditions of probation and revoked same.

* During a revocation hearing in the case of Commonwealth vs. Amanda Jean Madison, charged with trafficking in a controlled substance first offense, the court concluded the defendant had violated the terms and conditions of probation and revoked same.

* During a revocation hearing in the case of Commonwealth vs. Elizabeth Anna Troxell, charged with multiple drug related counts, in lieu of revocation, the defendant is to be assessed regarding eligibility for the Clinton County Drug Court Program.

* During a revocation hearing in the case of Commonwealth vs. Ashley Armstrong, charged with receiving stolen property under $10,000, in lieu of revocation, the defendant shall serve jail time until December 7 at which time the matter will be reviewed.

* During a pretrial conference, in the case of Commonwealth vs. Melinda Smith, charged with false statement / misrepresentation to receive benefits, a trial was scheduled for April 17, 2018 and a pretrial conference for March 1, 2018.

* During a pretrial conference, in the case of Commonwealth vs. Jennifer Riddle, charged with criminal abuse first degree, a trial date was scheduled for February 13, 2018 and a pretrial conference for January 11, 2018.

* During a pretrial conference in the case of Commonwealth vs. Andrew Maxfield, the man involved in a two-state vehicle chase and charged with 16 total counts, including several counts of wanton endangerment first degree, assault, criminal mischief, etal, a trial date was set for January 31, 2018 and a pretrial conference for January 11, 2018.

* During a pretrial conference in the case of Commonwealth vs. Nigle Guffey, charged with first degree criminal mischief, a trial date was scheduled for February 13, 2018 and a pretrial conference for January 11, 2018.

* During an arraignment, in the case of Commonwealth vs. Carlos Abraham, charged with multiple counts of trafficking in a controlled substance, the defendant entered a plea of not guilty and trial date was scheduled for February 13, 2018 with a pretrial conference for January 11, 2018.

* During a pretrial conference in the case of Commonwealth vs. Howard G. Woodson, charged with trafficking in a controlled substance first degree and persistent felony offender first degree, the trial date scheduled for December 19 was continued to January 5, 2018.

* In the case of Commonwealth vs. Maria Shelton, charged with manufacturing methamphetamine, persistent felony offender, etal, due to issues with the PSI (Pre-sentence Investigation Report), the matter was continued to December 7.

Various other cases were also on the court calendar in November but were continued for various reasons.