By Emily Williams

Judge Bill McKenzie granted a defendant’s request for a reduction in the bond for his drug-related  charges during Batesville Municipal Court held Wednesday.

Arnand Shegog, 306 Arizona St., Batesville, had his bond reduced from $75,000 to $20,000 in the felony case.

Shegog was charged with possession of controlled substance with intent and no seat belt.

The judge looked at photos that showed three grams of crack cocaine and five grams of cocaine along with $1,922 in cash.

“We believe he has been involved in gangs (The Mafia) and selling cocaine for many years,” said Officer Nick Hughes after Shegog requested a bond reduction.

“As far as gang violence, I have never been in trouble sir,” Shegog replied.

Judge McKenzie let the officer and defendant speak in private before granting his reduction.

The case was referred to the grand jury.

Other cases

Tavis M. Steel, 311 Lincoln St., Sardis, entered the city’s work release program for 20 days in lieu of paying $1,133 for shoplifting from Wal-Mart.

He also faces charges of petit larceny, resisting arrest, no turn signal and no tag continued until Wednesday, November 14.

Olivia Taylor, 220 1/2 Bates, Batesville, had a charge of disorderly conduct-failure to comply remanded to the files at the officer’s request.

Robert Spain, 876 Sanders Rd., Sardis, entered a guilty plea to domestic violence-simple assault. He was fined $404.

Connie S. Ausborn, 138 Main St., Courtland, entered a guilty plea to shoplifting slippers, casual woven top and other items worth $25.80 from Wal-Mart. She was fined $1,133.

Tycer L. Jackson, 508 West St., Tutwiler, entered a guilty plea to shoplifting from Wal-Mart. She was fined $1,133.

Trisha Green, 1019 Sasse St., Clarksdale, entered a guilty plea to shoplifting $21.30 worth of items from Wal-Mart. She was fined $1,133.

Latonya Chatman, 25 Mitchell Lake, Charleston, failed to appear to answer a shoplifting charge. Fox Bonding was notified.

Cases set for trial

Jessica Ware, 210 Arizona, Batesville, was not fined after a short trial for running a stop sign and improper equipment. Judge McKenzie told her she did need to attend a defensive driving course.

Porshia T. Ballentine, 634 Deer Creek, Batesville, had a case for domestic violence-simple assault remanded to the files after a plea agreement.

A.C. Suggs, 202 Lester St., Batesville, was represented by attorney Helen Kelly for DUI-second (refusal), driving while license suspended and no proof of insurance.

After an agreement between prosecutors and the defendant, the case was amended to DUI-first and Suggs was fined $770.
The driving while license suspended and no proof of insurance charges were withdrawn.

Debra Sayles, 1184 Riverview, Batesville, was represented by attorney Helen Kelly and entered a guilty plea to disorderly conduct. She was fined $315.