By Emily D. Williams
Following testimony from witnesses in a simple assault trial in Batesville Municipal Court Wednesday, Judge Bill McKenzie dismissed charges due to lack of probable cause.

Portia Henderson, 126 Patterson, Batesville, and Latesha Smith, 21 Lamar Thomas Rd., Batesville, were both found not guilty of assault against Lashunda McMiller.

McMiller testified that on March 29 Portia Henderson and Latesha Smith were driving behind her on Field Street.

“They were swerving behind my car,” McMiller testified.

She said when she pulled over that’s when Henderson and Smith started hitting her.
Defendants Henderson and Smith both said it was McMiller who was driving behind their car and passed them and blocked them in.

McMiller’s witness, Latasha Thomas, testified she saw the two defendants swerving behind McMiller’s car.

Thomas said when McMiller pulled over that Smith was hitting McMiller and Henderson was the one trying to break it up.

“What is the problem with all of you with each other?” the judge asked.

The defendants and affiants all said they did not know what the problem was to make them fight.
“Criminal cases have to be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Y’all need to behave and let this be over with,” the judge warned.

John Childress, 8 Harmon Circle, Batesville, bonded out prior to court for felony domestic violence. The case was bound over to the grand jury.

Krystal Moore and Brandon C. Frederick, 200 Park St., Batesville, were both referred to the grand jury for felony false pretense.

Both were denied bond requests after BPD Det. Lt. George Williford explained to the judge they may be a flight risk. Their bond remained $10,000.

Joel M. Covington, 185 Mt. Olivet Rd., Batesville, had a case for grand larceny continued. Detective Williford explained to the judge the charge would be reduced to joy riding.

Dan E. Brock, 242 Pollard, Batesville, bonded out prior to court for felony false pretenses and was bound over to the grand jury.

Mance Williams, 895 Lee Jennings, Como, entered a guilty plea to public drunk. He was fined $210.

Ricky L. Henderson, 125 Jackson St., Batesville, had a case for public drunk and open container continued.

Benjamin D. Pearson, 208 Bates, Batesville, had a case for the social host law violation continued.

Letonia M. Porter, 141 Butler Rd., Batesville, had a case for petit larceny dismissed after the affiant, Jamalyh Pollard failed to appear to prosecute.

Porter also had stalking charges against affiant, Marquita Miles.

Both the defendant and affiant said they were with Jamalyh Pollard.

The judge subpoenaed Pollard for the case set for May 7.

Clay H. Clemmons, 1198 Upton Rd., Pope, had a case for DUI and leaving scene of accident continued.

Tickets
Mark J. Cox, 115 Williams St., Batesville, was fined $471 for careless driving and no driver’s license.

Kendarius Q. Crump, 430 Tubbs Rd., entered the city’s work program for 14 days in lieu of paying $796 for loud music and no proof of insurance.

Lashundra N. Taylor, 105-B Patton Lane, Batesville, was fined $306 for no driver’s license
Zachary White, 11381 Hwy. 35 South, Batesville, was fined $181 for a stop sign violation.

Jarvis D. Diggs, 96-B Ivy Gordon Dr., Batesville, was fined $306 for no driver’s license.