Fight among brothers lands one in med, one in jail

By Ashley Crutcher
Judge Jay Westfaul heard a case of domestic aggravated assault and use of a deadly weapon to inflict death or bodily harm where the judge found probably cause for the charges against Tyrone Nion Whitten of 117 Hoskins Rd., Batesville.
Whitten is accused of assaulting his brother who had to be transported to the med by ambulance. Judge Westfaul set terms for Whitten’s release including a secured bond of $50,000 based on the photographic evidence of the case.
Whitten was ordered to stay away from the victim and advised not to go within 30 yards of the victim’s home or work.
“Both live with their mother. This has been an ongoing thing. The mother believes drugs or alcohol was a factor,” said Detective George Williford.
Whitten said he could stay with another relative if he were to bond out. Attorney Kirk Willingham was appointed to represent Whitten.
“He will be out to the jail to go over the charges and we’ll set a preliminary hearing if you choose,” said the judge.
“What if I was going to be hurt and I was defending myself,” asked Whitten.
“If that is the defense you so choose then the Circuit Court Judge will hear that,” said Judge Westfaul.
Lauren B. Smith of 211 Garson St., Batesville, was found guilty of theft of utilities.
Testimony from Mike Ross revealed Smith’s utilities were on the “cut off list” and a lock was placed on the meter and was cut on two separate occasions. Ross said a neighbor notified him of a water hose running from her home to Smith’s residence.
Judge Westfaul found Smith guilty of theft of utilities. Smith told the court although the utilities were in her name she did not cut the lock.
“What if I tell you who cut the lock,” said Smith.
“Well failing to tell officers, if you knew, could be another crime in itself,” said the judge. “You’re guilty. It is your responsibility since the utilities are in your name.”
Smith also has old fines from August of 2017 in the amount of $655 for failure to appear to answer charges for no proof of insurance. Smith has been allotted 60 days to pay the $1,281 in total fines.
Patricia Brooks of 105 Patton Lane, Batesville, was charged with stalking.
Affiant Linda Sullivan testified Brooks would yell at her using profanity and would jump out with a gold bat in a threatening manner. Sullivan also testified Brooks attempted to reach into her car with a broom.
“I told her ‘if you hit me we will have a confrontation,’” said Sullivan. Sullivan also said she and Brooks got into a confrontation and passed licks when Brooks allegedly busted her car window. Brooks testified she has family that lives near Sullivan and she ‘has a life of her own.’
Judge Westfaul remanded the charge to the files and ordered both parties not to go within 150 feet of each other.
Bennie Rudd of 416-A M Flowers Rd., Batesville, failed to appear to answer charges of stalking.
Rudd was found guilty after Judge Westfaul heard testimony from Affiant Joel Johnson. Johnson testified Rudd kept calling and texting him in the middle of the night. Johnson also said he pressed charges on Rudd in Sardis for throwing battery acid in his face.
“The officer told me I was lucky it was weak battery acid,” said Johnson.
Judge Westfaul placed a no contact order stating Rudd could not contact Johnson or be within 150 feet of him. The clerk will send a 10 day letter notifying Rudd of the guilty verdict.
“If he does not respond, I will issue a warrant,” said the judge.
Rudd also has old fines in the amount of $656 for charges of malicious mischief and simple assault. Rudd now faces a $1,323 fine.
Aaron D. Smith of 209 King St., Batesville, pleaded guilty to DUI refusal, careless driving and no driver’s license. Smith advised the judge he was trying to have his license reinstated but an unpaid $300 fine kept him from doing so. Smith was sentenced to take MASEP classes and has 30 days to pay the $1,250 fine.
Cynthia Horn of 1300 Laban Ave, Houma, La., was charged with shoplifting. Horn advised the court that she moved to Missouri. Interstate Bonding Company advised the court they would take care of the matter before a warrant was issued.
Johnathan Griffin of 151 Love Ave., Crowder, was found guilty of shoplifting and public drunk. Griffin returned to court for a sentencing hearing and was sentenced to time served.
“There aren’t many places in this town that you can go. I’m going to tell you one more time, and this time I mean it. Stay away from these places,” said the judge.
Griffin has been banned from numerous local businesses for shoplifting and indecent exposure. Griffin advised the court he planned to seek help for alcohol addiction.
Dorian Reed of 1333 Travis Rd., Courtland, pleaded no contest to charges of embezzlement. Reed was accused of taking a computer, PS4 and Smart light from Wal-mart. Reed advised the judge that Wal-mart did not receive restitution for the items. “If Wal-mart does not seek restitution within 30 days, the case will be closed,” said Judge Westfaul.
Dekedrick Danner of 212 Noble St., Batesville, pleaded guilty to contempt of court for failure to appear to answer charges for shoplifting. Danner was sentenced to time served after having served 17 days in the Panola County Jail.
Mariah Cox Brown of 2670 Curtis Lock Station Rd., Batesville, was charged with disorderly conduct, failure to comply and false information. Judge Westfaul recused himself from hearing the case.
“I know you and your family too well to hear your case,” said Judge Westfaul. The case will go before Judge Charlie Baglan on January 31.
James Latham of 206 Marilyn Ave., Sardis, was charged with shoplifting and trespassing. The case is to be continued next week.
Derek Carlisle of 211 Garson St., Batesville, failed to appear to answer charges for contempt of court for old unpaid fines from May of 2017 in the amount of $797. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.
Jamella F. Taylor of 211 Pettit St., Batesville, failed to appear to answer charges for open container and expired driver’s license. A warrant has been issued for Taylor’s arrest.
Megan V. Ross of 1385 Lawrence Bros. Rd., Batesville, failed to appear to answer charges for disorderly conduct. A warrant has been issued for Ross’ arrest.
Ashley B. McKee of 131 Depot St., Water Valley, failed to appear to answer charges for disorderly conduct-failure to comply. A warrant has been issued for McKee’s arrest.
Brandon M. Chapman of 135 George Thomas Rd., Batesville, failed to appear to answer charges for domestic violence-simple assault. Fox Bonding Company has been notified.
Tony Ware of 800 Gleeton Rd., Pope, failed to appear to answer charges for domestic violence-simple assault. Fox Bonding Company has been notified.