Defendant misses trial, found guilty in absence; fined

By Emily D. Williams

A defendant was found guilty in his absence after a short trial held in Batesville Municipal Court on Wednesday.

Jess B. White, Henry Heafner Rd., Batesville, arrived in court after his trial had already been held.

“We have already had your trial,” Judge Bill McKenzie said.

Lt. John Miller testified he responded to a call on October 23 where he found the female victim with a busted lip.

Miller entered pictures as evidence. He said he found White walking down Hwy. 35 where he found a spoon, lighter and other drug paraphernalia on him. 

In his absence he was found guilty of domestic violence-simple and simple possession of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia, and fined $1,243.

The judge ordered him to stay away from the victim’s residence. 

Ronnie Robinson, 105 Williams St., Batesville, had a case for public drunk continued. 

Joey Alexander Wells, 43 CR 173, Oxford, had a trial set for January 6 after entering a not guilty plea to possession of marijuana in a vehicle, no proof of insurance, improper equipment and shoplifting. 

Jermarcus D. Nelson, 201 Atkins St. No. 7, Sardis, failed to appear to answer charges for false information, switched tag, driving while license suspended and no proof of insurance. Pugh Bonding was notified. 

The judge dismissed a petit larceny charge filed against Cameron McGhee, 4573 Woodruff Rd., Batesville, after McGhee and the affiant, Quantin Lee, said they had a dispute over a pit bull dog.

“Do you have paper work?” the judge asked.

Neither one had paperwork.

McKenzie told them the case was civil and not criminal.

Kelvin T. Covington, 102 Diane Ross Rd., Como, entered a guilty plea to shoplifting. 

He was fined $1,146 due in 30 days.

“It doesn’t pay to steal. You are not making a profit,” the judge said.

Crystal Gant, 420 Covington Road, Lambert, was found guilty of uttering forgery and fined $348. She was also ordered to make restitution in the amount of $158. She was charged in August with the misdemeanor offense.

“You’ve had enough time,” the judge said.