Judge amends simple domestic violence charge

By Ashley Crutcher
Judge William H. McKenzie amended the charges of domestic violence simple assault to disorderly conduct after hearing the trial during Wednesday’s session of Batesville Municipal Court.
Mason G. Allen of 671 Connie Ross Road, Como, was found guilty of disorderly conduct  which reduced the fine to $328. Allen was accused of grabbing his girlfriend by the throat at a party.
Video footage from Sergeant Will Parrish showed Allen making first contact with officers after calling them to the residence due to a fight that broke out between two females.
In the video, Sgt. Parrish advises Allen to sit and wait for officers to return after statements are taken from witnesses, but Allen refuses to comply.
Witnesses at the residence reported seeing Allen with his hand to the victims throat. After witnessing the incident, another female hit Allen and the girlfriend responded by attacking the female.
The two women reportedly got into a fight resulting in one of the individuals suffering a severe head injury requiring staples.
Judge McKenzie ruled there was not enough evidence to prove Allen guilty of the domestic assault charge.
However, after seeing Allen refuse to obey lawful orders the judge found him guilty of disorderly conduct.
Janice Williams of 8322 Highway 35 S, Batesville, was represented by Attorney David Walker and pleaded guilty to no driver’s license, DUI second, which was amended to a DUI first, and two counts of child endangerment after driving under the influence with her grandchildren in the vehicle.
Williams was charged with no proof of insurance which was dropped after she provided evidence showing she has insurance.
“Another DUI and you will be in Circuit Court charged with a felony,” said Attorney Walker.
The court ordered Williams to pay an old fine for $561 during court and was allowed 90 days to pay off new fines in the amount of $3,085.
Karnesha V. Doyle of 307 Church Street, Como, pleaded guilty to shoplifting $30.75 worth of cosmetics from Fred’s. Doyle has 30 days to pay the $1,146 fine.
Alisa M. Petty of 12871 Ballentine Road, Sardis, pleaded guilty to shoplifting $22 worth of body spray from Fred’s.
“There’s no sense in this! You don’t want people to steal your stuff, don’t steal theirs,” said Judge McKenzie. Petty also has 30 days to pay the $1,146 fine.
Shawanda Tolliver of 309 East Gilmore, Senatobia, pleaded guilty to shoplifting $9 worth of costemtics from Fred’s and now faces a $1,466 fine.
“You’re going to go to jail if you don’t pay that fine in 30 days,” said the judge.
Dewons E. Harmon of 209-B Lester Street, Batesville, pleaded guilty to DUI first, no driver’s license and simple possession of marijuana. Harmon, faced with a $1,528 fine, requested to work off his fine through the work program.
“Can I start Monday so I can finish another job cutting down a tree? Can I get credit for the last ten days I been in jail,” Harmon asked.
“I’ll give you credit, you’ll work 22 days on the work truck. I wanna see you do something for yourself,” said Judge McKenzie.
Jean Burt of 84 Azzie Lee, Courtland, pleaded guilty to shoplifting. Burt was represented by Attorney Tommy Defer who got her fine reduced from $1,146 to $573, which is due in 30 days.
Shontina A. Lynn of 3198 Gina Drive, Memphis, was charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute after being caught with 61 grams of marijuana. Due to the felony charge the case has been bound over to Circuit Court.
Brittany S. Curry of 107 Armstrong, Batesville, was charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, false information and no driver’s license. The case has been referred to the Grand Jury.
Charles E. Cox of 118 Williams Street, Batesville, pleaded guilty to possession of marijuana in vehicle, no driver’s license and improper equipment.
“Why don’t you have a driver’s license,” asked the judge. “No time, I know it’s an excuse,” said Cox. “It’s the weakest excuse there is! If you’ve got money to buy marijuana, you got money to buy a driver’s license,” said Judge McKenzie.
The $1,144 fine was reduced to $900 after Cox provided proof that he fixed the broken headlight. He has 30 days to pay the fine.
Shauntia L. Williams of 100 Tindall Cove, Batesville, pleaded guilty to false pretenses after selling a stolen cell phone.
Williams paid the $368 fine prior to court, but was ordered to pay restitution to the affiant for the $200 she paid for the cell phone that was taken by the police department.
Raveene Lee of 150 MLK Jr. A-7, Batesville, pleaded not guilty to malicious mischief for allegedly disfiguring a 2009 Pontiac.
“I don’t know her or why she would charge me,” said Lee. The trial date has been set for March 15.
LaCourtney Hughes of 107 Cedar Crest, Batesville was charged with disturbing the peace, but the case was dismissed after the affiant failed to appear.
Isaiah Pickens of 48860 Highway 32, Charleston, failed to appear to answer charges for possession of marijuana in a vehicle, possession of paraphernalia, suspended driver’s license, expired tag and firearm enhancement penalt.
Everette Mixon of 210 Georgia Street, Batesville, was charged with petit larceny. The case has been withdrawn by the affiant.
Daniel Patton of 1688 Farrish Gravel Road, Batesville, failed to appear to answer charges for trespassing.
James K. Barber of 11427 Hadorn Road, Batesville, failed to appear to answer charges for simple assault. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.
Lisa Nissen of Skyline, Batesville, failed to appear to answer charges for shoplifting and has two prior shoplifting charges with old unpaid fines in the amount of $2,292. Fox Bail Bonds will be notified.
Amber R. Honeycutt of 1322 Stevens Street, Amory, failed to appear to answer charges for shoplifting. Fox Bail Bonds will be notified.
Karen Hipp of 251 Providence Road, Grenada, was charged with DUI first and improper parking. The case is to be continued.
Breanda K. Jackson of 303 Railroad Street, Como, pleaded guilty to contempt of court and paid the $2,292 fine prior to court.
Jarmain Johnson of 5589 Lucius Taylor Road, Como, pleaded guilty to contempt of court and paid the $1,131 fine prior to court.
Jaterian Lee of 202 Vaughn Street, Batesville, pleaded guilty to contempt of court and paid the $428 fine prior to court.
Cherish Gardner of 303 Railroad Street, Lot 19, Como, pleaded guilty to contempt of court and paid the $381 fine prior to court.
Dominque Middleton of 225 Connie Ross Road, Como, was charged with domestic violence simple assault. The case was dismissed after the affiant withdrew the charges.
Robert H. Brewer of 95 Goodwin Road, Marks, was charged with DUI first. The case is to be continued.