Woman fined for contributing to delinquency of minors
By Emily Williams
Judge Bill McKenzie told a Batesville woman, "We as parents have a duty to protect our children," after finding her guilty of contributing to the delinquency of minors during Batesville Municipal Court Wednesday.
Amanda Cordel, 715 Booth St., Batesville, who was defended by attorney David Walker, remained silent after testimonies were heard from two juveniles, ages 12 and 13, concerning a party in Cordel’s home where they said alcohol was available to them.
One child testified that beer was available to them from a cooler at the party, and that Cordel had taken one of the juveniles shopping to pick out the beverages.
"Ms. Mandy asked what kind she wanted and took her to Wal-Mart to pick it out," the juvenile said.
Rhonda Jones, a representative from the Department of Human Services, said she had investigated the case and after interviewing the children, determined that alcohol was available to the minors in Cordel’s home on the date in question.
"I can’t imagine any adult having alcohol available for 12-and-13-year-old children," Judge McKenzie said.
"The court is convinced beyond a reasonable doubt," he said.
Cordel was fined $355.
Judge McKenzie found probable cause to refer the case of Elton Turner, Martinez St., Batesville, to the grand jury. Turner is charged with possession of cocaine and marijuana.
During his preliminary hearing Wednesday,
Sgt. Ruby Myers testified that during a routine "check point" on Eureka Street she saw a car back up and do a "U" turn and drive away.
She said Officer Josh Hobbs stopped the car at the corner of Thomas and Van Voris Street.
Myers said Turner was in the back seat and both the passenger and driver said that he threw the drugs out of the vehicle. Myers said Officer Hobbs had a "good eye" on him.
Officer Lee Martin testified that Officer Koehn saw a bag in the grass beside the vehicle.
Turner’s attorney David Walker argued that the evidence was insufficient.
The city’s prosecuting attorney Parker Still requested that no bond be set because Turner is already out on a felony bond for previous charges that are similar.
Judge McKenzie set his bond at $15,000.
Leslye Butts, 221 Bates, Batesville, was referred to the grand jury for possession of controlled substance (crack cocaine), possession of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia.
Judge McKenzie set his bond at $5,000.
Kim Moore, 372 Cedar Dr., Pope, was found guilty of simple assault by threat against affiant Miranda Jordon.
Jordon told Judge McKenzie Moore came to Jordon’s place of work at Maggie T’s and started yelling and calling her a liar, apparently in a dispute that involved Jordon’s brother.
Jordon said she clocked out and she and her brother went to Lowe’s and that is where Moore came by and threatened to "whup her tail."
Moore said she never got out of the vehicle.
Bobby Woodard was a witness at Lowe’s and said he saw the confrontation.
Judge McKenzie said, "This sounds like a case that should be for seventh and eighth graders!"
"It does not change who we are by what someone says about us. It is sad that grown folks have to come to court to settle their business," he added.
"Life is too short for this mess!" said Judge McKenzie.
Moore was fined $265.
Ross Fisher, 1947 Audoban Place, Greenville, had a careless driving case continued.
Tarekmouhammad Adeih, 209 Elm Rd., Batesville, had a disorderly conduct-failure to comply charge remanded to the files for six months pending good behavior after city prosecuting attorney Parker Still and Helen Kelly, attorney for the defendant, came to an agreement.
Adeih will have to pay $55 for court costs.
Ahmad Adeya, 335 Shamrock #4-G, Batesville, had a "carrying a concealed weapon" charge remanded to the files for six months pending good behavior. He will also have to pay $55 for court costs.
Abedorf Salem, 209 Elm Rd., Batesville, was fined $255 for carrying a concealed weapon. Judge McKenzie also ordered the gun forfeited.
DUI
Austin Payne, 120 Trianon St., Batesville, entered guilty pleas to possession of alcohol by a minor, reckless driving, DUI and open container.
He entered into driving school to keep the reckless driving charge off of his record.
He was fined a total of $1,296.
"If you keep doing what you are doing, you are going to kill someone or yourself," the judge said.
Bobby Kidder, 107 Keating Rd., Batesville, had DUI-refusal, open container, cross double line and fleeing from an officer charges continued after he requested a later trial date.
Simple assault
Gregory Shegog, Shiloh Rd., Batesville, had a simple assault charge dismissed after the affiant, Meshunda Lee, failed to appear to prosecute.
April Turner, 181 Alred Rd., Courtland, also had a simple assault charge dismissed after the affiant Paris Green failed to appear to prosecute.
Barry Flowers, 243-C Martin Luther King, Batesville, entered a guilty plea to petit larceny and simple assault by choking and hitting affiant Candice Stanford at Crowson’s Grocery.
He admitted to taking her cell phone that was worth $180.
He was fined $570 plus restitution fees of $180.
Michael Brown, 151 Hemlock, Batesville, entered a guilty plea to domestic violence-simple assault (second offense) against Vickie Hannah by hitting her in the face. He was previously ordered to stay away from Hannah.
He was fined $605.
Vickie Hannah, 151 Hemlock, Batesville, paid a fine of $355 for domestic violence-simple assault, prior to court.
Contempt of court
Billy Tucker, 209 Court St., Batesville, paid a cash fine in full prior to court for old fines of $526 that have been due since April 2006.
Josephine Chapman, 6084 Curtis Rd., Batesville, had contempt of court-old fines of $435 that have been due since June 2005 continued.
Randy Wright, 139-F Todd Rd., Batesville, entered the city’s work release program for 47 days to satisfy old fines of $1,906 that have been due since December 2004.
The city’s work release program is an option for defendants who cannot pay their fines.
Bobby Smith, 201 Pecan St., Courtland, entered the city’s work release program for 10 days to satisfy old fines of $451 that have been due since November 2005. He was ordered to pay restitution of $54.
Other
Adam Lester, 1056 Henderson Rd., Batesville, entered a guilty plea to possession of marijuana less than one ounce. He was fined $355.
Earnest Towns, 115-A Hoskins Rd., Batesville, entered a guilty plea to public drunk. He was fined $265.
A trial was set for Paige Evans, 111 Marie St., Batesville, after she entered a "not guilty" plea to violating a city dog nuisance ordinance.
Affiant Wanda Murphy said that Evans’ dog barks constantly.
Evans said the dog barks for one hour a week and that is when he is in the kennel so that she can cut the grass.
The trial will be June 14.
Tickets
Claiborne L. Courier Jr., 19507 Hwy. 51, Sardis, had a no proof of insurance charge dismissed.
Tiffany L. Bobo, 107 Martin Luther King 7-C /
408 Tubbs Rd., Batesville, was fined $487 for driving while license suspended and no child restraint.
Joeannie J. Harris, 203-B Leonard, Batesville, was fined $281 for no driver’s license.
Wendi M. Ward, 6052 Compress Rd., Como, entered a not guilty plea to careless driving. A trial date was set for May 31.
Keith C. Barnes, 304 Mansion St., Port Gibson, was fined $583 for no proof of insurance.
Shelton W. Lenard, 10 Victor Dr., Courtland, was fined $281 for no driver’s license.
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