City court judge orders ‘pay the fine or do the time’

By Ashley Crutcher
Tyler J. Willie of 102 Martinez St., Batesville, pleaded guilty to simple assault stating, “if you got the tape then I’m guilty” during Wednesday’s session of Batesville Municipal Court.
“Well, did you do it or not? That’s what I need to know,” said Judge William McKenzie.
Willie changed his plea to not guilty and the case is set to go to trial April 19.
Javorius Vaughn of 102 Latitia St., Batesville, pleaded guilty to providing false information, driving while license suspended, no proof of insurance and improper equipment.
Vaughn was chargted with providing false information after he gave law enforcement officer’s his brother’s name and information.
Judge McKenzie dismissed the improper equipment charge as Vaughn has proof that he has since fixed the broken headlight. He has 30 days to pay the $1,633 fine.
Arnetta N. Vaughn of 107 Luther St., Oxford, pleaded guilty to simple possession of marijuana and not guilty to driving with a suspended license.
The Judge ordered the license to be checked again. The license check revealed that Vaughn’s Tenn. driver’s license was not suspended. She was fined $443 for the possession charge and has 30 days to pay.
Jayunn D. Whitten of 117 Hoskins Rd., Batesville, pleaded guilty to DUI refusal, improper equipment and open container.
Whitten originally pled not guilty to charges of DUI refusal but changed his mind stating, “I can’t miss anymore work”. Whitten is scheduled to attend driving school.
Levest Echols, Jr. of 111 Hoskins Rd., Batesville, was found guilty of contempt of court failure to pay old fines of $1,257 from December of 2015.
When asked by the judge what he was going to do about his old fines, Echols replied “I’ll pay it today. I won’t be able to pay my bills, but”.
“It’ll keep you out of jail, because you’re either going to pay it or serve it,” said Judge McKenzie.
Demontra Boyd, Sr. of 225 Vance St., Batesville, was found guilty of contempt of court failure to pay $1,401 in old fines from April 2016.
“I talked to someone and they told me I was clean,” said Boyd.
“You’ll leave today knowing what you owe. We’re gonna take away all excuses. It’s time to take care of business,” said Judge McKenzie. Boyd has until May 5 by 5 p.m. to pay the fine.
Derrick Brown of 107 Armstrong St., Batesville, failed to appear to answer charges for simple possession of marijuana.
Jarmarvis Banks of 1668 Woodruff Rd., Batesville, was charged with simple domestic violence. The case was dismissed for lack of prosecution.
Derrick D. Turner of 686 Herron Rd., Courtland, failed to appear to answer charges for DUI first, no driver’s license and loud music. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.
Terry Callicut of 2700 Hwy. 51 North, Sardis, failed to appear to answer charged for contempt of court failure to pay old fines.
John D. McGill of 2422 Barnacre Rd., Batesville, was given credit for time served for an old fine of $332 from November of 2014.
Xavier G. Hines of 445 Sanders Rd., Sardis, failed to appear for contempt of court failure to pay old fines in the amount of $1,137 from September 2015.
Shannon Earby of 11 Ellzey Rd., Sardis, was charged with felony possession of a controlled substance, trespassing and disturbing the peace. The case has been bound of to the Grand Jury.