Man Sentenced to Life for Killing His Girlfriend.

Eugene Strunk

Judge Thomas Clark

Lexington, KY. Judge Thomas Clark sentenced Eugene Strunk, Jr. to a life sentence for the 2004 murder of his girlfriend, Sheila Gibbs.  Between the late hours of February 8 and early morning of February 9, 2004, Strunk stabbed Ms. Gibbs at least 19 times about her body, with one stab in the head that was powerful enough to penetrate the skull and puncture the brain.  Additionally, Ms. Gibbs had at least five cuts on the palm and in between the fingers of each hand, demonstrating her attempts to defend herself during the vicious attack.

After killing Ms. Gibbs, Strunk put her body in the back of his trunk and drove to Faulkner Road in the outskirts of Fayette County, then left her body laying on the side of the road.  He spent hours attempting to clean the blood from their home, washing his clothes and discarding the cushions from the couch in a nearby dumpster.  For these actions the defendant was also charged with Tampering with Physical Evidence.  Despite Strunk's efforts, there was blood found on this jeans and throughout the house that DNA proved to be Ms. Gibb's blood.

Strunk is a Persistent Felony Offender with prior convictions for Robbery and Theft by Unlawful Taking.  Judge Clark sentenced him to 20 years for Tampering with Physical Evidence enhanced by the Persistent Felony Offender charge.  By law, the additional 20-year sentence must run concurrently with the life sentence.  Strunk will be eligible to meet the parole board in 20 years.

Hotel Assault Results in Prison Sentence.

Mark Wayne Taylor

Lexington, KY. Lexington police were dispatched to a hotel on Wilhite Drive regarding an assault. Officers responded and found the victim, a young woman who had been staying at the hotel to study for a state licensing exam. She had suffered injuries including bruises, cuts, and swelling when a man she recognized as another guest at the hotel had attempted to force his way into the room. She told the officers that she managed to drive him away, but that a fight ensued when he wouldn’t leave. 

Officers recovered property the suspect had dropped into the victim’s room, checked the hotel’s records, and located him at an area hospital approximately two hours later. He was identified as Mark Wayne Taylor, 30. Taylor told the officers he had met the victim the day before and that he had gone to her room to show her some pictures. He said she "hit the floor" when he pushed the door open and denied entering the room or assaulting the victim.

Criminal records show that Taylor has 20 prior misdemeanor offences for crimes, including assault, violation of a protective order, criminal trespass, menacing, harassment, and wanton endangerment. A jury considered the evidence in the case, convicted Taylor of Burglary, and recommended a sentence of 16 years to serve in the penitentiary. Taylor will be eligible for parole in 2016.

Kindness Repaid with Arson and Burglary.

William Fuson

Property Damage

Lexington, KY. Lexington firefighters and police officers were dispatched to a house fire on Marlboro Drive. Once the fire was out, arson investigators discovered that the house had been broken into through the back door and ransacked. Gas cans and gasoline were located inside the residence, which had significant smoke and fire damage. Crime scene investigators lifted fingerprints from several items at the scene, which were found to match William C. Fuson, 46. Further investigation revealed that the occupants of the home, who were out of state when the fire was set, had been writing to Fuson and visiting him in prison at the request of his grandmother.

Fuson’s fingerprints have been recorded in the criminal justice system on many occasions. Records show he has numerous prior felony convictions for burglary and theft, in addition to misdemeanors for theft, assault, criminal mischief, and terroristic threatening. Fuson was on parole at the time of this offense. He pled guilty to Burglary and Persistent Felony Offender and was sentenced to ten years to serve, consecutive to the time for his parole violation.

Jury Recommends 15-Year Sentence for Vehicular Homicide and Assault.

Ryan Leugers

Lexington, KY. A Fayette County jury recommended that Ryan Leugers, (24), serve 15 years for killing William Nichols and injuring his wife Jo Ann in a motor vehicle collision on November 13, 2004. The Nichols were sitting in their car at the red light at Versailles Road and the old Keeneland entrance when Leugers rear-ended them. Nichols died shortly thereafter at the University of Kentucky Medical Center.

Leuger’s blood-alcohol content one hour after the wreck as a .19. Under Kentucky law a person is presumed to be intoxicated at a level of .08. The Lexington Police Department’s Collision Reconstruction Unit determined that there was no evidence of braking by the pick up truck Leugers was driving, prior to the collision. Police estimated Leugers speed to be at the posted limit, 55 miles per hour.

A search of Leugers’ truck following the wreck produced several empty cans of beer, whiskey, a "beer bong", and two large, empty bottles of mouth wash.

Under state law, Leugers will be eligible for parole when he has served just over three (3) years.

Masked Burglar Victimizes His Own Grandmother, What a Guy!

James A. White

Lexington, KY. At approximately 2:00 a.m. on August 6, 2004, police were dispatched to a burglary in progress on East Fifth Street in Lexington. One of the responding officers, who arrived at the scene in under a minute, spotted a man carrying a cooler full of items and a DVD player. The suspect stated his grandmother lived in the house, the property was hers, and that he had taken the property, as well as a mask he was wearing around his neck, from an unknown intruder in the house.

The victim was located and identified the suspect as her grandson, James A. White, 24. She stated that she unlocked her door after hearing a knock and the suspect had forced his way into the house, pushed her to the floor, demanded money, then made her pull the telephone cords out of the walls before locking her in the bathroom. She suffered minor injuries in the scuffle, escaped through the bathroom window, and called 911 from a nearby relative’s residence. All the property the suspect was carrying had been taken from the victim’s house except the backpack he was wearing, which she had purchased as a gift for him. The backpack contained a hammer White had taken with him to the scene of the crime.

Criminal records show White has six misdemeanor convictions, including assault, theft by deception, marijuana possession, and violation of an emergency protective order. He pled guilty to Burglary, Second Degree, Possession of Burglary Tools, and Theft by Unlawful Taking and was sentenced to 10 years to serve in prison.

Hartland Burglar Receives 15-Year Sentence After Shoplifting Arrest Leads To Clearance Of 17 Burglary Complaints.

Lexington, KY.  Lexington police officers responded to a shoplifting and disorder at the Hartland Kroger and arrested Keith Davis, 30, at the scene.  Search incident to Davis' arrest led to the discovery of a number of items, including jewelry, coins, and prescription medication, which had been stolen in burglaries from homes in the area.  Further investigation by burglary detectives showed that Davis had sold a significant amount of jewelry to local pawnshops.  He was identified by a juvenile eyewitness and confessed to 17 residential burglaries.  Most of these crimes were accomplished by Davis kicking in a rear door to the houses and stealing whatever was readily accessible.

Burglary Spree Lands Husband-Wife Team In Prison.

Lexington, KY.  University of Kentucky police arrested Alfred Strunk, 39, and his wife Annette Strunk, 35, regarding a series of thefts from vehicles at the University.  Further investigation by U. K. police and Lexington detectives led to the couple being identified in a string of burglaries, thefts and receiving stolen property charges.  The suspects had performed several residential burglaries, which were usually done by knocking on the front door and making entry through a side door or window when it was obvious nobody was home.  They had also broken into an area business to steal lawn maintenance equipment, which was pawned and resold.  They were responsible for stealing tools from numerous vehicles at U. K., as well as the outright theft of several U. K. service vehicles.

Criminal records show that Alfred Strunk has three prior felony convictions for Theft, Escape, and Receiving Stolen Property, five misdemeanor convictions, and that he was on parole at the time of his arrest.  Annette Strunk's criminal history reveals seventeen misdemeanor convictions, including Driving Under the Influence, Bail Jumping, Disorderly Conduct, and several Thefts.  Both defendants pled guilty to Burglary, Theft and Receiving Stolen Property.  Alfred Strunk was sentenced to 10 years in prison, consecutive to the time remaining on his parole (approximately 8 years).  Annette Strunk was sentenced to 5 years in the penitentiary.

Irate Bar Customer Mixes His Own "Cocktail" (Molotov, That Is), Gets 5 Years In Prison.

Damage done by Beltran to the floor of the bar.

Lexington, KY.  Javier Beltran walked into a North Limestone Street bar he had been kicked out of on prior occasions and demanded to use the restroom.  When employees refused, he threatened to urinate on the floor.  He was permitted to use the restroom, and when he finished, he went to the rear of the building, where witnesses saw him holding a "Molotov Cocktail" (a glass bottle filled with flammable liquid and stopped with a rag) which he lit and threw onto the floor.  The bottle broke, starting a fire, and Beltran ran out the door.  Bar employees and customers put the fire out, tackled and then held Beltran until police and firefighters arrived.

Criminal records show Beltran has several misdemeanor convictions for Alcohol Intoxication as well a a prior Assault (Spouse Abuse).  He pled guilty to Arson and was sentenced to serve 5 years in prison.

Fraternity House Burglar Behind Bars.

Lexington, KY.  Joseph Hamby gained entry into a University of Kentucky fraternity house by claiming to be an alumni from another chapter.  Hamby was gone the next day, when several residents of the house found their doors forced open and numerous personal items missing, such as credit cards, student and military ID's, driver's licenses, and checkbooks.  UK police tracked one of the stolen credit cards to a hotel in Shelbyville, where a search warrant turned up most of the stolen property in a room rented by the suspect, who was not present.  Hamby was located in a Texas jail and returned to Kentucky for prosecution.

Investigation indicated that similar complaints about the suspect had been made at other colleges, but it is unclear whether Hamby was ever a member of the fraternity.  He has no previous criminal record in Kentucky.  Hamby pled guilty to Burglary and Theft by Unlawful Taking and was sentenced to 5 years in prison.

Police Break Up Boyle County Shoplifting Ring.

Lexington, KY.  In April of 2002, Lexington police arrested Aimee Caldwell, 24, and Don Ogle, 29, on warrants for shoplifting charges. Continued cooperation by Lexington and Danville detectives led to the identification and arrest of Susan Hatter, 33, Lorrie Johnson, 27, Larry Taylor, 24, and Shelton Perrin, 30. The investigation revealed that all six suspects lived in or near Danville and were making routine "shopping trips" to Lexington in order to steal merchandise for resale in Boyle County. Detectives obtained security video tapes from several Lexington merchants that showed various members of the group loading compact discs and DVD movies into duffel bags and backpacks, moving the bags near a building exit, then walking out the front door and returning into the store to make off with the stolen property before employees could respond to the alarm.

These six individuals have a total of 74 prior convictions: 11 felonies and 63 misdemeanors. Over half of these convictions were theft-related offenses (Theft by Unlawful Taking, Receiving Stolen Property, and so forth) from nine different counties in Kentucky. Violent crimes committed by these defendants included Robbery, Assault, Wanton Endangerment, Resisting Arrest, and Spouse Abuse. The remainder of the convictions included Trafficking in a Controlled Substance, Non-Support, Harassment, Bail Jumping, Giving Peace Officers a False Name, Criminal Mischief and Criminal Trespass.

The group was charged with a number of felony theft offenses based on the series of crimes they committed together in Fayette County for the period of October, 2001 to February, 2002. All six defendants eventually pled guilty and were sentenced, based on their criminal histories and participation in the shoplifting operation, as shown below:

Aimee Caldwell 8 years, probated for 5 years	Susan Hatter 5 years to serve	Lorrie Johnson 3 years, probated for 5 years
Don Ogle 1 year to serve	Shelton Perrin 5 years to serve	Larry Taylor 3 years to serve

24-Year Sentence Received In Day Care Burglary And Assault.

Lexington, KY.  Police received a 911 call from employees at a day care center. Patrol officers responded and observed an injured woman fleeing from the building. The officers found Obidene Johnson, 31, in the back yard with a woman, identified as his ex-girlfriend, who worked at the center. Investigation revealed blood on Johnson’s hands and damage to the rear door of the facility where Johnson had punched out a window and unlocked the door to gain entry into the building. Witness interviews indicated that Johnson had opened the door, kicked one female employee down the basement steps, and punched the woman seen by the police upon their approach. These assaults occurred in view of the children who were in the day care center and led to medical treatment of both victims. Johnson denied attacking the women and told the officers that he was only there to talk to his girlfriend.

The victims testified at trial that Johnson had called the facility several times looking for his ex-girlfriend. The women locked the doors of the building and called 911 when Johnson appeared, beat on the front door, and then broke in through the back door. The woman who was kicked down the stairs by the defendant missed several days of work due to her injuries. The other victim, who Johnson punched in the face, underwent extensive plastic surgery and has ongoing dental problems that resulted from the assault.

Johnson was convicted on the charges of Burglary, Assault (two counts), and Persistent Felony Offender based on his prior felonies. He was sentenced to serve 24 years in the penitentiary.

Purse Snatcher Sentenced To 10 Years, Probated For 5 Years.

Lexington, KY.  Teague Webb, 23, was convicted of robbing a 58-year-old female parishioner of Christ the King Church on Colony Blvd. Webb approached the victim as she walked from the church to her car. Webb told the victim to give him her purse. The victim reported to police she replied, "What, are you kidding?," and clutched her purse. Webb then grabbed the purse, causing the victim to fall to her knees. Webb ran with the purse, dragging the victim along, until she let go of her purse. As Webb ran from the scene he was pursued by another parishioner, who had witnessed the robbery as he was leaving church, as well as two bystanders. As they all chased Webb to his car, one of them grabbed Webb around the waist, forcing him to drop his car keys, but Webb managed to escape and ran from the neighborhood. Later that same day Webb voluntarily turned himself in to the Lexington Police Department.

Webb pled guilty, but mentally ill, to Robbery and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. He was probated for 5 years.

Judge Sends Career Criminal Back To The Penitentiary.

Lexington, KY.  Lexington police spotted Ronald "Cameo" Clark, 45, in the drive-through lane of a restaurant on North Broadway.  A vehicle chase ensued which ended when Clark crashed his car and was arrested after a brief foot pursuit.

Clark is well-known to the Lexington Police Department; he had several misdemeanor warrants out for failing to appear in Fayette District Court when he was arrested.  He has three prior felony convictions for Burglary, in addition to felony convictions for Stalking, Theft, and Persistent Felony Offender.  His lengthy misdemeanor record includes convictions for Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Giving Officers a False Name, Theft, Assault, and Wanton Endangerment.

A hearing was held in Fayette Circuit Court, at Clark's request, regarding allegations that he was "selectively prosecuted."  Evidence offered by the Commonwealth at the hearing included statistics from the Lexington Police Department showing over 50 burglaries reported in the Georgetown Street area from March, 2001, when Clark was released from prison, to the date of his arrest in July.  Once Clark was back in custody, there was one burglary reported in the same area in the next three months.

The Court found the prosecution appropriate and Clark pled guilty to Fleeing and Evading Police and Persistent Felony Offender.  The Georgetown Street Area Neighborhood Association submitted an impact statement that was signed by over 30 residents and Clark was sentenced to serve 5 years in the penitentiary.

"Moped Bandit" Off The Streets.

Lexington, KY.  Police responded to a call regarding a suspicious man driving a moped through a Lexington neighborhood. Responding officers located a suspect matching the description, who fled when approached. As police were in pursuit, a resident of the neighborhood notified them that her home had been broken into. The suspect was apprehended and police found most of the woman’s property under the seat of the moped. He was identified as Jan Blythe, 21.

Further investigation by burglary detectives and the ID section of the Lexington Police Department revealed that Blythe had left his fingerprints at several home invasion burglaries in the weeks before his arrest. Items stolen in these burglaries included money, jewelry, several firearms (including one owned by a retired police officer), antique coins, and identification documents.

Blythe was on parole for Receiving Stolen Property at the time of his arrest. His criminal history also includes other convictions for Receiving Stolen Property, DUI, and Contempt of Court. He pled guilty to several counts of Burglary, as well as being a Persistent Felony Offender, and was sentenced to a total of 45 years to serve in prison.

Convicted Sex Offender's Probation Revoked.

Lexington, KY.  Convicted sex offender John Duke recently had his probation revoked.  Duke was originally convicted in 1996 for 4 counts of Sexual Abuse.  After serving out his prison sentence, he was released in 1999.  In 2001, he failed to comply with sex offender registration by moving to a new address without notifying the proper authorities.  He was convicted of Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration and was sentenced to 1 year in prison, which was probated for 5 years. 

During his period of probation, Duke regularly failed to maintain employment and follow the other supervision requirements.  A conviction for Alcohol Intoxication served as the basis of the revocation.  At the revocation hearing, Duke did not challenge the revocation and said, "I know I need to go."  He was sentenced to serve 1 year in jail.

Defendant Ordered To Pay $1,160,000.00 To Kroger's.

Lexington, KY.  Debra Ann Caldwell was indicted for 1 count of Unlawful Access to a Computer and 20 counts of Theft by Unlawful Taking.  She committed these crimes while working for the Kroger Company.  For over 5 years, Caldwell manipulated the company's lottery payoff computer system to show that money she took for herself had been paid out to lottery winners.  Police found $11,000 in cash she had stashed in a drawer inside of the office area and Caldwell admitted to having $3,000 cash under a mattress in her home.

Caldwell pled guilty to all counts and was sentenced to serve 10 years in prison.  She was ordered to pay back $1,160,00.00 to Kroger's.

Waffle House Supervisor Gets Jail Time.

Lexington, KY.  Frances Downey Johnson, 44, was hired by Waffle House in 1999 and soon promoted to District Manager.  Her responsibilities included management of several stores, payroll, and access to the computer system and company records.  Audits of the stores under her control raised questions about how business was being conducted there and an internal investigation began.  It became apparent that Johnson was using her high-level access to generate payroll for employees who were not working.  Unexplained losses in cash register records and missing bank deposits were identified during times when only Johnson had access to the company's money.  An audit by a certified fraud examiner showed approximately $45,000 in losses to the company.

Numerous current and former employees of Waffle House testified at Johnson's three-day trial.  The testimony showed that Johnson controlled the payroll system and transferred or fired other employees who came close to discovering what she was doing.  The jury found her guilty of Theft by Unlawful Taking.  Johnson was sentenced to a year, put on probation for 5 years, and made to serve 60 days in the county jail.

Two Sentenced In Credit Card Theft.

Lexington, KY. An officer was dispatched to the Auto Sound on Nicholasville Road in reference to the use of a stolen credit card. Upon arrival, the officer spoke with an employee of Auto Sound who advised that Amanda Shanks and Charles Green had been in the store several times and made unlawful purchases totaling $1,695.62. It wasn’t discovered until this last time when both of them were in the store, that the owner of those credit cards had recently passed away. After officers interviewed Shanks, she admitted that she knew the credit cards were stolen. She stated that Green said he had "come upon them" and she further asked Green to make some purchases for herself. After a search was completed on Shanks' car, a stolen handicap permit was located. Shanks admitted to stealing the permit out of a car while she was jogging on Wilson Downing.

Shanks and Green were charged with three counts of Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card Over $100 and Shanks was additionally charged with one count of Receiving Stolen Property. Both defendants pled guilty. Shanks received 3 years, which was probated for 5 years with restitution set at $1,783.00. Green received 1 year, which was probated for 2 years.

Defendant Receives 1 Year In Prison For Fake Cocaine.

Lexington, KY.  During a routine patrol, an officer observed Antonio Walker disregarding a traffic sign at the corner of Elm Tree Lane and Fourth. Upon the initial stop, Walker made several attempts to exit the vehicle. After questioning Walker, it became apparent that he was under the influence of alcohol. The officer performed a search on Walker and the vehicle. A baggy of suspected cocaine was located in his jacket pocket. Walker advised that he had produced the suspected cocaine out of baking powder. A field test was performed on the substance and was found negative for cocaine.

Walker was charged with Trafficking in a Simulated Substance 2nd Offense, Operating a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence, No Insurance, and Disregarding a Stop Sign. He pled guilty and received 1 year in the penitentiary.

High-Speed Chase Lands Defendant In Prison.

Lexington, KY.  While on patrol, Lexington police noticed a vehicle on New Circle Road forcibly change lanes and nearly lose control.  After the vehicle almost hit an officer's patrol car, the officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop.  The vehicle immediately increased its speed and led police on a high-speed chase.  The vehicle was eventually stopped at an apartment complex.  The officers attempted to perform sobriety tests on the driver, Gretchen Laich, but were unable to due to her volatile actions.  Laich admitted to drinking two beers and having used cocaine in the days prior to the event.  When asked why she didn't stop for the officers, she said that she didn't see the police cars.  After a search was completed of Laich's purse, a crack pipe, syringe, spoon, rolling papers and a prescription bottle containing various pills were found.  Located in the car was a cup containing an alcoholic beverage and an unopened beer bottle.  Laich was taken to the hospital for a blood alcohol test but was too disruptive for the test to be performed.

Gretchen Laich was charged with Fleeing/Evading Police, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Operating a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence, Operating a Motor Vehicle on a Suspended License, No Insurance, Possession of an Alcoholic Beverage in a Motor Vehicle, and two counts of Wanton Endangerment.  She pled guilty and was sentenced to serve 3 years in the penitentiary.

Another Defendant Sentenced As Part Of Operation "Rat-Trap."

Lexington, KY.  Lexington police responded to a Central Bank branch regarding a suspicious individual attempting to pass a forged check.  The suspect left before the police arrived, but was later identified as Jacqueline Kirkland, 40. She was arrested, charged with Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, and released on bond pending resolution of the charge.   Ongoing investigation of unrelated charges later revealed that Kirkland had pawned items matched to thefts and burglaries both before her arrest and after her release on bond.  She was arrested again and charged with two counts of Receiving Stolen Property.

Kirkland has a prior felony conviction for Driving under the Influence, Fourth Offense.  Her misdemeanor convictions include DUI, Prostitution, Forgery, Operating on a Suspended License, Attempted Prescription Fraud, Public Intoxication, and several Probation Violation charges.

Jacqueline Kirkland pled guilty to Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, two counts of Receiving Stolen Property and Persistent Felony Offender.  She was sentenced to a total of 7 years on all charges and sent to the penitentiary.

Arrest While On Bond Leads To 12-Year Sentence For Burglar Under Operation "Rat-Trap."

Lexington, KY.  Michelle Buford, 37, was arrested and charged with Burglary in December, 2001.  Police responded to complaints by several individuals who knew Buford personally; investigation revealed that she would target acquaintances who she knew had money and medications and take it from their homes.  Court records indicate that Buford was released on bond after her arrest and sent to a treatment program.

In April of 2002, however, Buford was arrested again.  Investigation revealed that Buford had gone into an apartment building and entered at least one apartment through the open front door.  Other residents reported that Buford had gained entry into their apartments by telling them she was a home care professional and offering her services to the elderly and disabled residents of the complex.  Two residents, including one with multiple sclerosis, reported that their medications were missing after Buford left their apartment.

Buford pled guilty to several counts of Burglary and Theft of Controlled Substances and was sentenced to 12 years in the penitentiary.

Career Criminal Sentenced To 10 Years For Burglary Under Operation "Rat-Trap."

Lexington, KY.  Lexington patrol officers responded to an alarm at a South Broadway restaurant at approximately 2:30 a.m.  Officers arrived at the scene and observed Larry Moss, 46, climb out of the restaurant through a broken window.  Moss was arrested after a brief foot pursuit and found to be carrying several bottles of liquor that had been stolen from the restaurant.  Further investigation revealed that Moss had at one time been an employee of the restaurant.

Moss has an extensive criminal history, including felony convictions for Receiving Stolen Property, Promoting Contraband, Theft by Unlawful Taking and Burglary.  He also has numerous misdemeanor convictions for Criminal Trespass, Assault, Public Intoxication, Theft by Unlawful Taking and Theft by Deception.  He was on probation at the time of the offense.

Moss pled guilty to Burglary and Persistent Felony Offender and was sent to prison for 10 years.

Convicted Thief Ordered To Pay Restitution For The Next 73 Years.

Lexington, KY.  After stealing the life savings of his elderly victim, James Dickerson was convicted in 1998 for four theft charges.  Restitution was ordered in the amount of $271,640.00 for the actual loss.  The defendant, found liable in civil court as well, was ordered to pay a total of $321,640.00 for the actual loss, pain and suffering.  Through the criminal system, interest is not added to the base restitution amount.  The civil court assigned 8% interest for the balance from 1996-1999.  Since 2000, the interest has increased to 12%.  Because the criminal court is enforcing the restitution, the defendant is not currently responsible for payments toward the civil judgment; he will not be responsible until his probation has expired.  However, his probation will not expire until he has paid the restitution in full.  At the defendant's current rate of repayment, he must live another 110 years to pay off the balance.  The current value of the civil judgment is approximately $550,000.00.  The bottom line:  the defendant has made almost $300,000.00 during his probation.

Defendant's Sentence Ordered To Run Consecutive With Federal Sentence.

Lexington, KY.  Lamont Smith was witnessed disregarding a stop sign by two police officers. The officers followed Smith for a couple of miles when they noticed him throw something from the vehicle. They followed him to a dead-end where he discarded a holstered firearm and a cigarette box from the car. Smith fled on foot and was soon apprehended. The officers returned to the items that had been thrown from the vehicle and found a loaded Bryco Arms 9mm pistol, a plastic baggie of marijuana with a weight of over 5 grams, 1.3 grams of crack cocaine, 1.2 grams of powder cocaine, shavings of crack cocaine and a dollar bill folded with 1.5 grams of crack cocaine inside. Seven marijuana roaches were also located inside Smith’s car.

Smith was charged with Trafficking in a Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana, Operating on a Suspended License, Disregarding a Stop Sign, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Persistent Felony Offender. He was sentenced to serve 5 years in the penitentiary, which was ordered to run consecutive to a 10-year federal drug charge for which he had recently been sentenced.

Defendant Found With Drugs And Guns Sentenced To 20 Years In The Penitentiary.

Lexington, KY.  The Narcotics Enforcement Unit executed a search warrant at Richard Edwards, Jr.’s apartment after a confidential informant told them that drug trafficking with weapons involved was occurring at the apartment. When the officers first gained entry, they encountered Edwards and noticed seven rocks of crack cocaine laying on the table and a silver .357 magnum revolver, fully loaded. They advised Edwards of his rights and further searched his apartment. They found two more loaded revolvers, one located between the mattresses, and the other pistol in the kitchen. They also found two more rocks of cocaine, 179 grams of marijuana, rolling papers, $211.00 in cash on Edwards, and $600.00 cash in a duffle bag.

Edwards was indicted on the charges of Trafficking in a Controlled Substance With a Firearm, Trafficking in a Controlled Substance Within 1,000 Yards of a School, Possession of a Handgun by a Convicted Felon, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Persistent Felony Offender. He pled guilty and received a sentence of 20 years in the penitentiary.

Burglar Sentenced To 10 Years In Prison As A Persistent Felony Offender.

Lexington, KY.  A police officer was dispatched to Affordable Housing Mobile Home Store after the burglar alarm sounded. Upon arrival, he saw Robert Briscoe walking away from the building. Briscoe advised that he was there to pick up a delivery. As the officer walked to look for the delivery, Briscoe ran to his truck and drove off. The officer chased him in his patrol car to a building on Bryan Station Road. Briscoe fled from the vehicle and began running through yards. The officer finally apprehended him and took him into custody. The owner of Affordable Housing and Mobile Home Store was alerted and he advised that the door of one of the trailers had been broken down and lamps, mirrors, and pictures were missing. After a search of Briscoe’s truck, the missing items were located.

Briscoe was charged with Burglary, Theft by Unlawful Taking Over $300.00, Reckless Driving, Operating a Motor Vehicle on a Suspended License, and Persistent Felony Offender. He entered a guilty plea and was sentenced to 10 years in the penitentiary.

Defendants Get 30 Days In Jail For Receiving Stolen Property Charges.

Lexington, KY.   While conducting a routine check, a Lexington police officer noticed a few men in a Ford Bronco parked in the middle of a church parking lot. After seeing the patrol car, the driver immediately drove off and attempted to lose the officer by making several turns. A traffic stop was initiated and the officer approached the vehicle. While waiting for the driver to get his license and proof of insurance, the officer noticed several tools, plastic tool containers, and stereo amplifiers in the car. The driver nervously asked the officer to speak to him further away from the vehicle. He stated that he thought his passengers, Brian Harris and Phil Caudill, had stolen some items and placed them in his car. The driver told the officer that he had met Harris and Caudill in order to purchase a stereo for $25.00. A verbal consent was given to the officer to search the vehicle. An eight inch knife was found stuffed between the console as well as a hammer drive, saw, speaker box, drills, screwdrivers and various other tools, Harris, Caudill and the driver were taken to the Detective Bureau for interviews.

Brian Harris and Phil Caudill were both charged with 3 counts of Receiving Stolen Property over $300 and Harris was additionally charged with Concealing a Deadly Weapon, however, the driver was not charged.. Harris and Caudill each pled guilty and were sentenced to 3 years, which was probated for 5 years, and ordered to serve 30 days in jail.

Drug Trafficker Probated For 5 Years.

Lexington, KY.   After complaints of marijuana trafficking were made by confidential informants, detectives from the Narcotics Unit were sent to search William Marshall’s property. The detectives located several subjects inside the residence as well as a strong odor of marijuana. After the search warrant was read aloud to Marshall, he confessed to having marijuana in his bedroom. The detectives located 50 grams of marijuana, $148 in a duffle bag, drug paraphernalia, a .22 caliber pistol, and a High Times marijuana magazine. A vehicle parked outside the property was also searched and 54 grams of marijuana was found in the glove box of the car. Marshall was taken to police headquarters where he told police that he never sold marijuana, he just shared it with friends and accepted no payment.

Marshall was arrested for Trafficking in a Controlled Substance within 1,000 yards of a School and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He pled guilty and was sentenced to serve 2 years, which was probated for 5 years.

Mother Probated For 2 Years For Baby Shaking.

Lexington, KY.   April Williams took her five-month-old daughter to the UK Medical Center and stated that the baby was vomiting and lethargic. During the examination, doctors and nurses noticed bruising and suspected possible child abuse. There was bleeding behind the baby’s eyes as well as in her brain, suggesting that the baby had been shaken. Police officers were dispatched to the hospital to speak with Williams. Williams stated that the baby had slipped out of her hands and hit her head on the tub during a bath. Williams also said that any bumps that were on the baby had come from her car seat. She further concluded that any other scratches or bruises were from the babysitter. Later, Williams called one of the detectives on the Crimes Against Children Unit of the police department and stated that she had further information to provide in reference to the baby’s condition. Williams went to police headquarters and stated that if she did hurt the baby, she didn’t mean to. She said that one morning she was tired and the baby woke up crying and fussy. After the constant crying, she shook the baby and put her to bed. When Williams realized what she had done, she picked up the baby and began telling her she was sorry. It was then that the baby started to vomit and was taken to the hospital.

Williams was charged with Criminal Abuse. She pled guilty and was sentenced to one year, but was probated for two years.

Shoplifter And Persistent Felony Offender Sentenced To Probation.

Lexington, KY.   While shopping at K-Mart on Nicholasville Road, Danny Rose was observed stealing DVD’s. The head of K-Mart’s Loss Prevention followed Rose around the store for about fifteen minutes while he proceeded to shoplift 20 DVD’s. When Rose attempted to leave the store, he was stopped by the Loss Prevention officer and the police were then alerted. When questioned, Rose admitted to taking the DVD’s. He said that he was unemployed and was going to try to sell them for cash. The stolen DVD’s totaled $427.80.

Rose was charged with Theft By Unlawful Taking Over $300 and being a Persistent Felony Offender. He pled guilty and was sentenced to one year in the penitentiary, which was probated for five years.

Defendant's Marijuana Grow Operation Is Cause Of Major House Fire.

Lexington, KY.   The Lexington Fire Department responded to a fire at the home of Nelson Lee Graves. Upon extinguishing the fire, firefighters discovered an elaborate indoor marijuana grow operation in the basement of the home. The Fire Department immediately notified the Lexington Police Department. Narcotics Task Force Agents searched the house and found high wattage grow lights hanging from the ceiling of the garage, along with gas cylinders containing propane and carbon dioxide in the garage. After Graves was read his Miranda Rights, the narcotics agents questioned him about the grow operation. Graves admitted that the lights and cylinders were used as part of the grow operation. He allowed the agents to search his house for other illegal items. Two baggies of marijuana, a revolver, two shotguns and a rifle were found and confiscated, along with the grow operation, which included 52 young marijuana plants.

It was determined by the Lexington Fire Department that the grow operation was, in fact, the source of the fire, which caused heavy damage to Graves’ home. He was charged with Cultivation of Marijuana Over Five Plants. He entered a guilty plea and was sentenced to 1 year, which was probated for 3 years. 

Defendant Steals Over $12,000 - Receives Probation.

Lexington, KY.   During the summer of 2001, Stephen Cunningham, 45, was employed by friends and neighbors to do various odd jobs. In August of 2001 two of the people who allowed Cunningham into their home, one employed at UK and the other her elderly mother, began to receive checks from their bank that had been forged on their account. Investigation revealed that Cunningham, who the victims had known for a significant amount of time, had stolen two checkbooks from their house and forged over 40 checks, for a total loss in excess of $12,000. When confronted by financial crimes detectives, Cunningham admitted the scam and stated he cashed the stolen checks at local convenience stores to pay a gambling debt.

Prosecution of the case was delayed for several months while the defendant received a medical evaluation. Having been found to be in adequate health, Cunningham pled guilty to Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument and was sentenced to six years, which was probated for five years.

Convicted Felon Sentenced To 40 Years For Sexual Attack On Woman.

Lexington, KY.   As she had done for years, a woman walked past some apartment buildings while heading home one evening from the downtown area. However, this time, she was targeted to be a victim of a crime by Joseph Bowden. Bowden, a convicted felon, came up to the victim from behind, encircled her neck with his arm and dragged her up several levels of stairs until he found a darkened area. Bowden told the victim that if she screamed he would kill her. Thankfully, a resident heard the victim whimper and called the police. When the police arrived, they caught Bowden in the act of sexually abusing the victim. Once caught, Bowden stated "I ain’t doing nothing like rape."

A jury found Bowden guilty of Kidnapping, Sexual Abuse, Resisting Arrest, and being a Persistent Felony Offender. They recommended a sentence of 40 years. The judge followed the jury’s recommendation and sentenced Bowden to serve 40 years in prison.

Defendant Sent To Prison After Repeatedly Failing To Pay Child Support.

Lexington, KY.   William Pitts will pay his debt to society from behind bars for failing to support his children. Pitts pled guilty to the charge of Flagrant Non Support in October of 1999. At that time he was given the opportunity to support his children when the sentencing judge placed him on probation instead of sending him to prison. However, Pitts failed to take advantage of the opportunity and persisted in failing to pay his child support as ordered. In August of 2001, Pitts was brought back to court for failing to comply with the terms of his probation, including failure to pay child support. Even when given a second chance at that time, Pitts did not pay as ordered.

Pitts’ probation was recently revoked and he was sent to prison. He currently owes more than $12,000 in child support.

Armed Drug Dealer Convicted And Sent To Prison For 10 Years.

Lexington, KY.   Lexington police were dispatched regarding a disorder with a firearm near an adult entertainment club on Winchester Road. A suspect vehicle was identified and trailed from the area. Officers observed Jerrod M. Birch, 22, the back seat passenger in the vehicle, acting in a suspicious manner. The vehicle was stopped. Officers removed three people from the vehicle and observed a handgun and baggie of suspected narcotics on the back seat. Birch was arrested and found to have two more baggies on his person.  He admitted to the arresting officers that all the contraband inside the vehicle was his.

The handbag was a .44 caliber Bulldog revolver with five bullets in the cylinder. A routine trace through the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, and Tobacco revealed that the weapon had been reported stolen by a previous owner. KSP Laboratory analysis showed the baggies to contain 4.4 grams of powder cocaine, 3.4 grams of crack cocaine, and over 29 grams of crack cocaine. Narcotics detectives advised that the street value of these drugs is well in excess of $3,000.

Birch pled guilty to Trafficking in a Controlled Substance With a Firearm and was sentenced to ten years in the penitentiary.

Father, Convicted Of Murdering Six-Week-Old Son, Sent To Prison For Life.

Lexington, KY.   Kurt Smith was convicted by a Fayette County jury of Murder for killing his 6-week-old son, Blake, on March 21, 2001. The mother of the baby lived in her parents' home and was the main caretaker of the baby boy, but she had allowed Smith to keep the child while he had a couple of days off from work. She last saw her son the day before his death.

The morning of Wednesday, March 21, 2001, the baby had been heard crying by other members of Smith’s household. Smith was in his basement home alone with the baby when his stepmother came downstairs. It was at that point that she noticed that the child was "listless." She attempted CPR and called 911. The infant was rushed to the hospital and the doctors learned that the injuries were compatible with symptoms known as "shaken baby Syndrome". A CT scan confirmed "diffuse cerebral edema" (swelling) and blood clotting inside the baby's skull. X-rays of his skull further revealed that not only was there massive swelling and hemorrhaging inside his skull, but there was also a skull fracture. The child was declared brain dead and removed from life support two days later.

The autopsy revealed massive brain swelling with hypoxic damage (lack of oxygen), massive hemorrhaging (bleeding) inside and outside the skull, a fractured skull, and his body had multiple little skin bruises on his back side. Blake Smith died from blunt force impact injury to the head.

The defendant was questioned about the injuries to his son. His first statement was that he didn’t know what was wrong with his child. After he was confronted with the medical diagnosis, he told police that the child simply fell off of his lap. At the trial, after all of the medical testimony had been presented to the jury proving that his story was not plausible, he gave yet another explanation. He admitted that he had shaken the baby yet denied causing any type of blunt force trauma, a story which remained inconsistent with the medical findings.

The jury returned a verdict that Smith was guilty of Wanton Murder by finding that he acted with an extreme indifference to the value of his infant child’s life when causing his death and recommended the maximum sentence allowed by law, Life Imprisonment.

Convicted Felon Sentenced To 10 Years In Prison For Possessing Handgun.

Lexington, KY.   Jock Taylor was 21 years old and already had two prior felonies when he was caught carrying a .22 caliber pistol down a Lexington street one night.  Residents of Hagerman Court had called police because they had heard gun shots.  Police responded and found Taylor in the area.  They asked him if he had heard any shots.  He then admitted that he had a pistol and that he had been shooting at a pumpkin on the ground.

Taylor, who was on probation in Pulaski and Harrison Counties for prior felonies, pled guilty.  He was sentenced to 10 years in prison for Possession of a Handgun by a Convicted Felon and being a Persistent Felony Offender.

Defendant Receives 10 Years In Prison For Filing A Fraudulent Insurance Claim.

Lexington, KY.   The Fire Department uncovered more than they were looking for after the smoke cleared in an arson investigation.  As Fire Investigators looked for clues in a motel fire, a tip led them to Phillip Ginter as a possible suspect.  As their investigation continued, they discovered Ginter had recently filed a fraudulent insurance claim for an unrelated car accident.  When a pipe fell on the road from a construction truck in front of Ginter, he and friends got out, retrieved the pipe and began hitting Ginter's car with it.  Ginter recovered over $3,000 from the construction company's insurance carrier.

Ginter entered a guilty plea to Theft by Deception and to being a Persistent Felony Offender.  He was sentenced to serve 10 years in prison and ordered to pay restitution to the insurance carrier.

Defendant Gets 5 Years In Prison For Check Forgeries.

Lexington, KY.   While employed at the University Inn, Regina Hughes stole a checkbook from a guest.  Two of the stolen checks were used at Kroger's.  A videotape of the defendant paying with the checks proved that the transactions took place.  Another incident occurred with Hughes' roommate.  The roommate gave Hughes cash to pay the electric bill.  Instead of using the cash to pay the bill, Hughes pocketed the money and stole a check from her roommate and forged it to pay the electric bill.

Hughes was charged with Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument on four different counts, as well as Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card.  She pled guilty and was sentenced to 5 years in prison.

Three Strikes and You're In.

Lexington, KY.   Jessica Hall reserved a room at the New Circle Road Inn.  She was present while two men trafficked in cocaine and marijuana from the room.  When the police investigated, Hall confessed to what was going on.  She ultimately pled guilty to Possession of Cocaine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  Hall received a 2-year sentence, probated for 3 years.  Six months later, her probation was modified because she tested positive for marijuana and cocaine.  She was required to complete a substance abuse program at the Schwartz Center.  Three months after that, her probation was revoked for failure to comply with the terms of her probation and she was sent to prison, however, she was eventually granted shock probation and was released.

Hall again violated the terms of her probation by testing positive for cocaine, failing to cooperate with her substance abuse coordinator, failing to report to her probation officer, and for failing to report her change of address to her probation officer.  Her probation was revoked once again, and Hall was sent to prison.

Computer Theft Attempt From Wal-Mart Gets Defendant 5 Years In Prison.

Lexington, KY.   William Gore, accompanied by his alleged wife (a minor), attempted to steal a computer from Wal-Mart.  Both Gore and the juvenile female entered the store, made their way to the computer department where each chose a computer, and placed the computers in two different carts.  They then went their separate ways.  The female paid for her computer and proceeded to the car.  Gore left his computer in the cart while he went to obtain the receipt of the newly purchased computer from his wife.  He then returned to the computer he had left behind, picked it up, and walked outside.  When he was stopped by an officer outside of the store, Gore immediately produced the receipt obtained from the prior purchase in an attempt to pass that receipt off as his own.  When he was arrested, he gave the officers a false name and claimed the female was his wife.  It was later learned that was not true.

Gore was charged with Theft By Unlawful Taking, Giving A False Name And Address, Unlawful Transaction With A Minor, and Persistent Felony Offender.  He pled guilty and was sentenced to 5 years in prison.

Retired Police Officer Convicted In Shooting.

Lexington, KY.   Garnett Henry "Pete" Emerson, a retired Lexington police officer, was found guilty of assault in the shooting of Madison Dunn.  Dunn and Emerson were guests in a house on Roosevelt Avenue described by others there at the time as a "VFW Post."  In the past, Lexington police have made arrests for bootlegging from this residence.  According to witnesses, the two argued, and, when Dunn took a knife from his pants pocket, Emerson went out to his vehicle to retrieve a .38 caliber revolver.  When Emerson returned, he shot Dunn one time, resulting in injury to Dunn's face and arm.

The jury recommended a sentence of 5 years.  Emerson has been ordered to report for service of the sentence on February 22, 2002.  He was not eligible for probation because a gun was involved.  Emerson himself had been shot in 1990 while working off-duty at a local bar.

Jury Finds Defendant Guilty Of Manslaughter In Death Of His Grandmother.

Lexington, KY.   Police filed a missing person report when family members of Sarah "Tiny" Hayden noticed that she had missed her doctor's appointment and had not called or made any contact with them for a few days.  Police searched Tiny's home, which she shared with her grandson, Jerome Williams.  After a preliminary search, no signs of forced entry or of any wrongdoing were apparent.  A few days later, an extensive search of the home was performed and Tiny's body was found in a closet concealed with clothing.  Her death was ruled as a homicide with the cause of death listed as asphyxia.  Williams was taken to police headquarters for questioning, where he eventually admitted to stuffing his grandmother in the closet, but not to having anything to do with her death.

Williams was tried by a jury for the charges of Murder and Tampering With Evidence.  Despite Williams' plea of innocence to killing his own grandmother, the jury nevertheless found him guilty of Manslaughter and Tampering with Physical Evidence.  He was sentenced to serve 15 years in prison for the crimes.  

Defendant's Pattern Of Escape Continues.

Lexington, KY.   Darrell Carey, age 38, arrived at Blackburn Correctional Complex on March 20, 2001 to serve a 23-year sentence for Burglary First Degree, Burglary Second Degree (5 counts), Burglary Third Degree, Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument (8 counts) and Escape. After being denied permission to go visit a sick family member, he decided to leave anyway. On April 9th, less than a month after arriving at Blackburn, Darrell Carey escaped again. It took over six months to track Carey down. He was arrested on October 23, 2001 in Jefferson County and charged with Escape. The Fayette County Grand Jury indicted Carey for Escape and the additional charge of Persistent Felony Offender. 

Carey entered a guilty plea to 5 years to the Escape charge, which was enhanced to 7 years by the Persistent Felony Offender charge. By law , the defendant’s new 7-year sentence must run consecutively with the 23 years he was already serving.

Defendant Receives One Year In Prison For Shooting Of Ex-Girlfriend.

Lexington, KY.   Paul Payne flagged down a vehicle which his ex-girlfriend and her current boyfriend were in.  He then started an argument with his ex-girlfriend over their break up.  During the argument, Payne pulled out a pistol and fired it into the vehicle.  A  bullet struck his ex-girlfriend in the left leg above the knee, causing serious physical injury to her.

Payne was charged with Assault, Wanton Endangerment, and Possession of a Handgun by a Convicted Felon.  He pled guilty and was sentenced to one year in the penitentiary.

Fake $50 Bills Get Defendant 180 Days In Jail.

Lexington, KY.   Lexington police responded to several different businesses where fake $50 bills were being passed. After further investigation, William Hager, Jr. was arrested at the Congress Inn Motel, where he had been staying, and also where he had passed one of the phony bills. In his motel room, police found 9 more of the $50 bills hidden behind the dresser. Hager stated he had suddenly found the money one afternoon and that he thought it was real.

A jury found Hager guilty of 10 counts of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument. He was sentenced to 10 years, which was probated for 5 years. Hager is to serve 180 days in jail.

Defendant Receives Probation For Failure To Pay Child Support.

Lexington, KY.   Derrick Cortex Byrd has two children, ages 14 and 17, by two different woman. He failed to make regular child support payments for both children. In fact, he had never made any payments for the 17-year-old, and had not made a payment for the other child since April of 2000. At this time, Byrd has a total child support arrearage of $26,683.44.

Byrd entered a guilty plea to two counts of Flagrant Non-support and was sentenced by the Judge to two years in prison, which was conditionally discharged for a period of five years. This means that he will not have to be supervised by any law enforcement official in either Kentucky or his home state of Indiana.

Assault With A Stick Gets Defendant 3 Years In Prison.

Lexington, KY.   Police officers were dispatched to Maryland Avenue in reference to a disorder.  There they observed Willie Fields acting suspicious and carrying a two-foot stick.  When asked about the disorder, Fields admitted to assaulting the victim with the stick.  He further stated that the victim owed him $30.00 so he, "tried to beat him down."  The victim was taken to the hospital, where he was treated for blurred vision and a laceration to his head.

Fields pled guilty and was sentenced to 3 years in prison and was ordered to pay restitution to the victim.

Two Sentenced For Drug Charges.

Lexington, KY.   After police received a report that marijuana was being grown in the back yard of a private residence and possibly sold from the home, officers executed a search warrant at the residence of David Powell. The officers found almost 240 grams of cocaine, $1,278.00 cash, digital scales, and 1 gram of marijuana inside the house. In the back yard, officers discovered 29 fully grown marijuana plants, each one approximately 7 to 8 feet tall. Powell’s girlfriend, Sandy Jo Newton, was questioned the following day. Although she claimed to have no knowledge of the drug cultivation or sales, she admitted to living in the house with him and was carrying $119.00 cash. Neither Powell nor Newton were employed at the time of the search.

Powell and Newton each pled guilty to Trafficking in a Controlled Substance, Cultivation of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Powell was sentenced to 5 years in prison, which was enhanced to 10 years by the Persistent Felony Offender status. Newton was sentenced to 5 years, probated.

Physical And Sexual Abuse Of Girlfriend Gets Defendant 25 Years In Prison.

Lexington, KY.   When James George was released from jail, he returned home to his girlfriend, with whom he lived. George accused her of infidelity and began to beat her.  For the next six days, George continued to beat his girlfriend, made her sit on the floor without moving, and didn’t allow her to speak unless spoken to. He told her that the only way she was leaving was in a body bag. George tied her hands behind  her back, got a broom, and began to beat and kick her with the broom. He repeatedly raped and sodomized the victim. He allowed her to go to the drive-thru with him for dinner, but carried a knife and threatened to stab her if she tried to do anything. George also made his girlfriend get on her knees while he tied her hands together with clear tape, led her into the bathroom, and forced her to kneel next to the bathtub. George proceeded to dip her head into the tub in an effort to "scare" her. He then told her that she was not worth it and that he had too much going for him to kill her. George then stated that their relationship was over, but that they could still be friends. Finally, when George left for an interview, the woman had a chance to call her mother. The police arrived shortly thereafter. She suffered severe bruising around the face and body, had black eyes and possible internal bleeding.

George was found guilty by a jury for Kidnapping, 7 counts of Sodomy, 5 counts of Rape, 2 counts of Terroristic Threatening, Assault and being a Persistent Felony Offender. He was sentenced by the judge to a total of 25 years in prison.

Convicted Sex Offender Receives 5 Years, Probated, For Failing To Register Address.

Lexington, KY.   Thomas Wayne Graham moved from his previous residence to a new home. Graham is a convicted sex offender. He was aware that he must comply with the registration laws in the event of a move. The registration laws state that a convicted sex offender must register if they change residency. The Sheriff’s Office checked property records at the Courthouse and found no listing for Graham’s registered address. Because he was not living in his officially registered address, he was charged with Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, an offense for which he ultimately pled guilty.

Graham has been sentenced to 5 years, probated for 5 years, with conditions to include, of course, his registration at a legitimate and existent address.