The Lowndes County Circuit Court went into session this week, with a docket that includes more than 500 criminal cases for the term, many of them drug related.
The following sentences have been handed down by the court, which began Monday:
- Jeremiah V. Stokes, of 180 Tabatha Lane in Columbus, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon. He was sentenced to five years in the Mississippi Department of Corrections and five years of post-release supervision.
- Kristy E. Patchen, of 48064 Highway 17 in Vernon, Ala., pleaded guilty to one count of possession of precursors. She was sentenced to eight years in the Mississippi Department of Corrections, five years post-release supervision, and ordered to pay a $1,000 fine.
- Lula Henderson Harris, of Columbus, pleaded guilty to two counts of sale of hydrocodone. She was sentenced to eight years in the Mississippi Department of Corrections and five years of post-release supervision for each count. The sentences are to run concurrently. She was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.
- Misty Perez, of 8000 Highway 12 in Columbus, pleaded guilty to two counts of credit card fraud. She was sentenced to three years non-adjudicated probation for each count. She was also ordered to pay a $500 fine and $2,048 in restitution. The sentences are to run concurrently.
- Johnny Leech, of 912 Ninth Ave. S. in Columbus, pleaded guilty to one count of grand larceny. He was sentenced to one year of house arrest and five years probation. If Leech violates the terms of the house arrest he will serve a full sentence of 10 years in the Mississippi Department of Corrections. He was also ordered to pay a $750 fine and $4,000 in restitution.
- Sherry Keating, of 109 Dowdle St. in Columbus, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of hydrocodone. She was sentenced to one year of house arrest and ordered to attend outpatient drug counseling. If she fails to meet the terms of the house arrest, she will serve a full sentence of eight years in the Mississippi Department of Corrections. She was also ordered to pay a $250 fine.
- James C. Brown, of 2614 17th Ave. N. in Columbus, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of cocaine. He was sentenced to one year in the Mississippi Department of Corrections, three years post-release supervision, and ordered to pay a $500 fine.
- Lori Ann Brody, of 105 24th Ave. SW in Reform, Ala., pleaded guilty to possession of precursors. She was sentenced to two years in the Mississippi Department of Corrections, five years of post-release supervision and ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.
- Shannon Beckworth, of 307 McCool Road in Caledonia, pleaded guilty to two counts sale of hydrocodone. Beckworth was sentenced to 10 years in the Mississippi Department of Corrections, five years of post-release supervision, and ordered to pay a $1,000 fine on each count.
- Christopher Blair, of 2171 Caledonia Steens Road in Columbus, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of cocaine greater than one gram but less than two grams. He was sentenced to two years in the Mississippi Department of Corrections, two years post-release supervision, and ordered to pay a $750 fine.
- Timothy Doyle McGee, of 8080 County Road 9 in Millport, Ala., pleaded guilty to one count of possession of precursors. He was sentenced to eight years in the Mississippi Department of Corrections, five years post-release supervision and ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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