Mother’s request to judge lands suspect on work program

By Emily Williams

A young man changed his plea to Judge Jay Westfaul during Batesville Municipal Court held Wednesday after his mother approached the bench.

Ayinda Bordus, 9872-A Hwy. 51 South, Courtland, told the judge he was not guilty of disturbance of school sessions until his mother asked, “Can he plead guilty? If he fought at school he was guilty.”

In lieu of paying the $300 fine his mother suggested he work his fines off on the city’s work release program.

He will work his fines off in six days during the Christmas holidays when school is out.

“Listen to your mother,” Westfaul said.

Initial appearance

Jeffery S. Morris, 21374 Hwy. 6, Batesville, was fined $400 for possession of tobacco by a minor and the lower fine for expired tag.

He had a no driver’s license charge continued.

Eddie Lee Porter, 221 Henry Harris, Batesville, entered a guilty plea to disorderly conduct-failure to comply, public drunk and public profanity.

He was fined $1,240 and sentenced to six days in jail he already served while awaiting trial.

Marvin Brownlee, 207 Vance, Batesville, was given time served for public drunk.

Jonathan Dunnigan, 211 Tubbs, Batesville, entered a not guilty plea to domestic violenc    e-simple assault. A trial was set.

Antonio Phillips, 1708 Broome Loop, Oxford, failed to appear to answer a shoplifting charge. A warrant was issued for his arrest.

Tequila Lee, 226 Noble, Batesville, entered a guilty plea to shoplifting. She also had old fines (with restitution) of $989 that have been due since September 2008.

She told the judge she was saving up her money because she was in school after the judge asked about her old fines.

“Can you pay it today?” Westfaul asked.

“I am glad you are going to school, but I don’t believe they are teaching you how to steal and not pay your fines,” he said.

The judge told her to have every cent paid within 30 days or serve six months in jail.

Cases set for trial

Benica Milan, 105 Lester St., Batesville, was found guilty of disorderly conduct and fined $640.

Antionette Smith, 195-B Henry Heafner, Batesville, had a malicious mischief charge dismissed after the affiant failed to appear to prosecute.

Bobby Davis, 78 Kiihnl, Sardis, had a DUI case continued. He will be represented by attorney Jeff Padgett.

Craig Coulter, 244 Northwest, Coffeeville, was found guilty of DUI-refusal and no seat belt.

He was fined $802.

Ty Pittman, no address given, had a domestic violence-simple assault case dismissed after the affiant decided not to pursue the charges.

Tickets

Tianna D. Brown, 155 MLK Dr. Apt. 9, Batesville, had a driving while license suspended ticket continued.

Debra A. Green, 404 Lincoln St., Sardis, entered a not guilty plea to switched tag and driving while license suspended. A trial was set for December 16.

Row Gene Orr, 81 Johnson Dr., Enid, had a trial set for December 16 for expired tag.

Robert D. Walker, 114 Champion Circle, Water Valley, was fined $742 for speeding and no proof of insurance.