By Emily D. Williams

Judge Jay Westfaul referred a 44-year-old man to the grand jury after a preliminary hearing in Batesville Municipal Court held Wednesday.

Alance T. Walker was represented by attorney David Walker on charges of grand larceny, three counts of burlgary, disorderly conduct-failure to comply, malicious mischief and possession of a weapon by a felon.

Officer George Williford testified that on May 8 the home of Mrs. Margaret Hentz, 206 Noble Street, was broken into. She listed all of the items stolen, valued over $1,200.

Williford said he received a written statement from someone who bought a sewing machine off the street from Walker for $10. Mrs. Hentz identified it as hers.

Williford testified that Mrs. Hentz’s son, Mario Henton, confronted Walker about breaking into his mother’s home and that’s when Walker allegedly pulled a gun on him and Charles Burge who filed reports.

Williford also testified that Helms’ Garage was burglarized on May 1 and fingerprints from that scene were identified by the crime lab as Walker’s.

Williford also said on April 4, Patsy Middleton, who said she was on-and-off girlfriend with Walker, reported he broke all of the windows in her car taking $1,000 and breaking the windows in her house.

“I asked him about the other charges. He admitted to smashing his girlfriend’s windows out but did not admit to stealing the sewing machine.”

Williford said none of the stolen items except for the sewing  machine were recovered because they had all been sold on the street.

Judge Jay Westfaul ruled there was probable cause to refer the case to the grand jury.

Walker’s bond reduction was denied. His bond was set at $81,844.

“Your bond is probably not higher because all these bonds were set at different times,” Westfaul said.

The city’s prosecuting attorney told the judge he believed Walker is a threat to the public and a flight risk.

Antonio Blakes, 1338 Pope, had a warrant issued for his arrest after failing to appear for a second time to answer charges of leaving the scene of an accident with injuries.

Tyrowone Kimble, 103 Davis St., Coffeeville, had a warrant issued for his arrest  after failing to appear for telephone harassment. Corbitt Bonding was notified also.

Jamarlin Ladd, 209 King St., Batesville, had a disorderly conduct charge-interfering with a business charge dismissed as the affiant, Jessica Baker of Sonice, failed to appear.

Terrell Adair, 105 Taylor Rd., Pope, was fined $931 for indecent exposure, public drunk and trespassing.

Jerrico Jenkins, 104 Gowdy, Batesville, was fined $315 for simple assault by threat.

Kendrick D. Jones, 109 Sarah Dickins, Batesville, entered a not guilty plea to domestic violence-simple assault. A trial was set for the next Wednesday.

Courtney Smith, 643-A Hwy. 6 West, Oxford, had a case for shoplifting and simple possession of controlled substance continued due to her incarceration in the Guntown jail.

During a case set for trial, Markeevan Ford, 2074-C Morrow Rd., Courtland, was found guilty in his absence for possession of marijuana and public drunk after testimony from Officer Hailey. He was fined $624.

Shameika Robinson, 411 Willa St., Batesville, was found not guilty due to lack of evidence and testimony in a domestic violence – simple assault case.

Nina Fudge, 200 Hwy. 51 South, Batesville, was represented by attorney Tom Womble on a charge of contributing to delinquency of a minor (neglect) by leaving her six-month- old in the car while she grocery shopped.

The city’s prosecuting attorney, Bob Morris, and Womble, along with the judge, all agreed this was a case where education is needed and it would serve better than a conviction.

Fudge agreed to seek counseling and receive consultation with the department of human services.

“I don’t think this is something that will happen again,” the judge said.

Tickets

Kwasi A. Ware, 710 Walls Rd., Batesville, was fined $381 for driving while license suspended.

Constance S. Avant, 2363 Tony Keating, Batesville, provided proof of insurance after the ticket was issued. No fine was imposed.

Thomas S. Madison, 1608 Johanna Fairway, Columbus, was fined $597 for reckless driving and driving while license suspended.