By Myra Bean

Sardis Municipal Court convened Thursday with Judge Ray Tannehill presiding. With a gentle but firm hand, Tannehill laid down the law with repeat offenders in court.

Clifford Boyd, 122B N. Robinson St., Senatobia, was allowed to work off his old fines with the city work program. He had failed to show up twice before, and had been arrested and held at the Panola County jail Wednesday night.

Tannehill asked the opinion of the newspaper reporter what she would do about Boyd. She refused to answer his question, and the judge gave Boyd a five-minute speech away from the courtroom about what measures will be taken if he fails to follow through on his latest promise.

Techela Starks finally showed up to court after her charges from a year ago have already been settled. She was found guilty and fined $955.25. The judge gave her until August 15 to come up with some money to pay on her fine.

“If you miss, I will issue a warrant for your arrest,” Tannehill told her.

Elgin Hurt, 308 Frederick St., Sardis, pleaded guilty to shoplifting. He spent four days in jail and was given $100 off his fine. He has to work the remaining $526.25 on the city work program.

The sentence came out to a five-day jail sentence with one day suspended and 65 hours or one-and-a-half weeks on the work program.

Timothy R. Turner, Highway 315 East, Sardis, was another one who got a stern look and talking to from the judge for petit larceny and malicious mischief.

Turner pled guilty for both charges and said he did not know where the merchandise was that he stole.

“Mr. Turner, you can’t steal,” Tannehill said.

Tannehill asked Turner why he should not send him to jail.

“I deserve another chance,” Turner said. “I shouldn’t have done what I did. I am trying to be a productive citizen.”  Turner was sentenced to 60 days in jail which the judge suspended.

Years ago, Turner said, he had been charged with the same thing. “If it happens again, you will spend every day in jail,” Tannehill said. He was also fined $1,072.50 which includes restitution for the items stolen.

Meko Starks pled not guilty to malicious mischief. His trial was set for April 18.

Other cases include:

Davonte Shron Cathey, 799 Belmont Rd., April 13, Sardis, was charged with no insurance and fined $411.

Michael Dale Davenport, 670 Gelston Road, Clarksdale, had a seat belt violation and no insurance charges and was fined $486.

Billy George Greer, 3666 Shiloh Road, Courtland, was charged with public drunkness and fined $226.25.

Shirley Ann Hanks, 152 WC Franklin Ave., Crenshaw, brought proof of insurance purchased before the citation.

Laneshia Catrice Holmes, 2794 Bethlehem Road, Batesville, paid $200 before court for her no drivers license and seat belt violation charges. Her total fine is $368.

Naporche King, 201 Atkins St., Sardis, pled guilty to seat belt violation and no drivers license. She was given a six-month probation to pay her fine of $368.

Tammy Terrell Lewis, 526 Edwards Rd., Sardis, careless driving fine was remanded to the files by Officer Derrick Booth.

Stanley L. McKinney, 2509 Belmont Rd., Sardis, had charges of improper equipment and driving while license suspended and was fined $586.

Luther Asa Moore, 325 Ruffin Dr., Sardis, was charged with disregard for traffic device and fined $223.

Britta Thomas, 34 Camille, Sardis, was charged with no head lights and expired drivers licensed and fined $586.

James McBrayer, 15338 Old Panola Road, Como, is on probation until he pays the remainder of his old fine of $147.25.

Jerrico Carnell Toliver, 319 Greenhill Circle Apt. 319, Sardis, was fined $293 for no driver’s license.

Keanna Lashonda Wilson, 368 Breedlove Road, Michigan City, pleaded not guilty for no headlights and child restraint violations. A trial date was set for April 18.