KY SEAL 2
Sanders

From the Office of:

ROB SANDERS
COMMONWEALTH'S ATTORNEY
16th Judicial Circuit - Kenton County, KY 
 

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 This Week in Kenton Circuit Court...

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In This Issue
Guilty
Guilty
Other Guilty Pleas & Sentencings
Failures to Appear/WANTED
Law Enforcement News
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Did you know that a complete summary of KY's Death Row inmates is available on the KY Dept. of Corrections Website?
 
To View KY's Death Row, CLICK HERE
 
Quick Links
Quote of the Week:

"Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference."

-Winston Churchill

Fun Link
Ever wondered what the Commonwealth's only maximum security prison looks like on this inside?
 
To take a virtual tour of the Kentucky State Penitentiary in Eddyville, including the electric chair, click:
HERE
Fun Link
 
Ever wondered how a police helicopter assists in catching bad guys after dark?
 
Issue #20 April 17, 2008  
Greetings Kenton County!   

The men and women of the Commonwealth's Attorney Office are always working hard to keep Kenton County safe.  This newsletter is intended to keep all interested parties up to date on the latest in prosecution and law enforcement news.  If you have any questions or would like additional information about the cases you see in this email, please call (859) 292-6580 or email the Commonwealth's Attorney Office at robsanders@kentonprosecutor.com .
 
BREAKING NEWS!  
speechLethal Injection Upheld by Supreme Court!
 
Executions in Kentucky - and the 35 other states that use lethal injection - can resume because the U.S. Supreme Court Wednesday upheld the commonwealth's method for administering the drugs for capital punishment.

In a 7-2 decision, the high court ruled against two Kentucky death-row inmates who argued that the state's procedures amounted to cruel and unusual punishment, violating the U.S. Constitution's Eighth Amendment.

Prosecution News & Views  
newsweekMY TURN
I Am Not the Enemy
 
By Felicia J. Nu'Man ׀ NEWSWEEK
April 14, 2008 Issue
440Felicia J. Nu'Man
, a black prosecutor in Louisville, says this about herself and her job, "I battle crime every day, and I defend myself every day, too."
 
She has been called a "race-traitor" and a puppet of a "racist criminal justice system" for "putting our black men in jail."
 
"In my county, two-thirds of all the criminal defendants are black, which means that roughly two-thirds of all victims are black.  Should law enforcement not prosecute black criminals and doom all black victims to the absence of justice?  Why aren't the police and prosecutors seen as the champion of the black victim?  There is a disconnect in the mind of many black people."
 
GUILTY  
Commonwealth v. John Wilderjohn wilder
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: Rob Sanders
Police Agency: Kenton County Sheriff 
 
In December of 2007, John Wilder and a co-defendant were indicted by the Kenton County Grand Jury for Trafficking in a Controlled Substance (cocaine).  The charge stemmed from an undercover investigation by the NKY Drug Strike Force.  In that instance, the NKDSF captured video footage of Wilder selling crack cocaine out of a car driven by the co-defendant.  The case against Wilder and the co-defendant was presented directly to the Grand Jury along with cases against about 30 other defendants that were the culmination of almost an entire year's worth of undercover investigations.  Since none of those defendants had been previously arrested on the charges, Commonwealth's Attorney Rob Sanders requested warrants on each Indictment.
 
On December 19, 2007, Kenton County Sheriff Deputies David Hehman and Brett Lovell went to Wilder's residence on Banklick Street in Covington to serve the warrant.  When Deputies arrived they noticed an odor of marijuana coming from the residence.  In Wilder's bedroom, the Deputies found almost 5 grams of cocaine in multiple baggies, several ounces of marijuana, various items of drug paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking, cash, and a loaded small-caliber handgun.  Wilder told Deputies that he did not use cocaine but sold it to pay for his marijuana habit.  The recovery of those additional narcotics and other items resulted in additional charges being filed against Wilder. 
 
On 2/14/08, Wilder was again Indicted by the Kenton County Grand Jury for Trafficking in a Controlled Substance (cocaine) and Trafficking in Marijuana While is Possession of a Firearm.  On 4/14/08 Wilder entered a guilty plea to the charges resulting from the search of his residence.  Commonwealth's Attorney Rob Sanders is recommending a 5 1/2 year sentence.  The NKDSF case is still pending.  Final sentencing is set for 5/27/08.
 
Sanders said Wilder's case illustrates how drug trafficking, although classified by the legislature as "non-violent," can still be incredibly dangerous to law enforcement.  "Everyone involved was very fortunate that the Defendant did not have the gun on his person or this could have turned out very different," said Sanders.  "There's just no telling what kinds of dangers drug dealers bring with them," he said.  Sanders also said he hopes legislators and corrections officials keep cases like Wilder in mind before "opening the prison doors to so-called non-violent offenders."  "In Mr. Wilder's case, his home was his place of business," said Sanders, "and his business was drugs and guns so how good of an idea is it to send him back to his place of business to serve a felony sentence on "home incarceration?!"  Sanders was referring to recent talk in Frankfort of releasing hundreds of non-violent felons onto home incarceration in order to save money in the corrections budget.
 
parole
Other Guilty Pleas & Sentencings  
Commonwealth v. Mario Tebelman aaron price
Judge: Sheehan
Prosecutor: Rob Sanders 
Police Agency: Covington
 
On 3/18/08 Tebelman pled guilty to Tafficking in a Controlled Substance (cocaine).  Commonwealth's Attorney Rob Sanders recommended a 6 year prison sentence.  On 4/15/08 Tebelman was sentenced to 6 years in prison.
 
Commonwealth v. Marc Manning Jr. marc manning
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: Rob Sanders 
Police Agency: Elsmere
 
On 4/14/08 Manning pled guilty to 1st Degree Fleeing Police and 1st Degree Criminal Mischief.  Commonwealth's Attorney Rob Sanders is recommending a sentence of 18 months in prison on each charge.  Final sentencing is set for 5/27/08.
 
Commonwealth v. Michael Harmonmichael harmon
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: James T. Redwine 
Police Agency:
 
On 4/14/08 Harmon pled guilty to Assault Under Extreme Emotional Disturbance.  Harmon faces 1-5 years in prison at final sentencing on 5/27/08..
 
Commonwealth v. Brian Mercerbrian mercer
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: Isler
Police Agency: Independence
 
On 4/14/08 Mercer pled guilty to Receiving Stolen Property (firearm).  Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Leanne Isler is recommending that Mercer serve 18 months in prison.  Final sentencing is set for 5/27/08.
 
Commonwealth v. Melissa Goodwinmelissa goodwin
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: James T. Redwine
Police Agency: Kenton Co. Police
 
On 4/14/08 Goodwin pled guilty to 2nd Degree Burglary and 3rd Degree Burglary.  1st Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Jim Redwine is recommending a 5 year prison sentence on each charge.  Final sentencing is set for 5/27/08.
 
Commonwealth v. William Fraleywilliam fraley
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: James T. Redwine 
Police Agency: Kenton Co. Police
 
On 4/14/08 Fraley pled guilty to 3rd Degree Burglary and Receiving Stolen Property (>$300).  1st Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Jim Redwine is recommending a 2 1/2 year sentence on each count.  Final sentencing is set for 5/27/08.   
 
Commonwealth v. Rick Luallen rick luallen
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: Alysha McKinney
Police Agency: KY State Police
 
On 4/14/08 Luallen pled guilty to 2nd Degree Escape.  Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Alysha McKinney is recommending that Luallen serve 1 year in addition to his underlying sentence.  Final sentencing is set for 5/27/08. 
 
Commonwealth v. Christina Dennlerchristina dennler
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: Amy Burke
Police Agency: Kenton Co. Child Support
 
On 4/14/08 Dennler pled guilty to Flagrant Non-Support.  Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Amy Burke is recommending a sentence of 3 year probated for 5 years.  Final sentencing is set for 5/27/08. 
 
Commonwealth v. Christopher Manningchris manning
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: Amy Burke 
Police Agency: Kenton Co. Child Support
 
On 4/14/08 Manning pled guilty to Flagrant Non-Support.  Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Amy Burke is recommending a 3 year prison sentence.  Final sentencing is set for 5/27/08.
 
Commonwealth v. Roderick Averyroderick avery
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: Rob Sanders 
Police Agency: NKDSF
 
On 4/14/08 Avery pled guilty to Trafficking in a Controlled Substance (cocaine).  Commonwealth's Attorney Rob Sanders is recommending a 5 year prison sentence.  Final sentencing is set for 5/13/08. 
 
Commonwealth v. Deborah Hilldeborah hill
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: Joseph Meadows
Police Agency: Covington
 
On 4/14/08 Hill pled guilty to Possession of a Controlled Substance (cocaine).  Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Joe Meadows is recommending that Hill, who has no prior felony record, be ordered into the felony diversion program for 2 years.  Final sentencing is set for 5/27/08. 
 
Commonwealth v. Johnny Puthoff johnny puthoff
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: Justin Sanders
Police Agency: Ft. Wright
 
On 4/14/08 Putthoff pled guilty to Theft (>$300).  Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Justin Sanders is recommending a 1 year prison sentence.  Final sentencing is set for 5/27/08.
 
Commonwealth v. Derek Greggderek gregg
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: Rob Sanders
Police Agency: Elsmere
 
On 4/14/08 Gregg pled guilty to 3rd Degree Assault (on a police officer).  Commonwealth's Attorney Rob Sanders is recommending a 1 year prison sentence.  Final sentencing is set for 5/27/08. 
 
Commonwealth v. Aaron Pinkletonaaron pinkleton
Judge: Bartlett
Prosecutor: James T. Redwine
Police Agency: Erlanger
 
On 4/14/08 Pinkleton pled guilty to 1st Degree Wanton Endangerment and Possession of a Handgun by a Convicted Felon.  1st Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Jim Redwine is recommending a 5 year sentence on each count.  Final sentencing is set for 5/12/08. 
 
Commonwealth v. Timothy Fryeaaron pinkleton
Judge: Bartlett
Prosecutor: Justin Sanders
Police Agency: Covington
 
On 4/14/08 Frye pled guilty to Possession of a Controlled Substance (cocaine).  Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Justin Sanders is recommending a sentence of 5 years probated for 5 years.  Final sentencing is set for 5/12/08.  
 
Commonwealth v. Christopher Kemplinchris kemplin
Judge: Sheehan
Prosecutor: James T. Redwine
Police Agency: Covington
 
On 4/14/08 Kemplin pled guilty to Intimidating a Witness.  1st Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Jim Redwine is recommending a sentence of 18 months probated for 3 years and 120 hours of community service.  Final sentencing is set for 5/13/08.  
 
Commonwealth v. Jason Barnett aaron pinkleton
Judge: Sheehan
Prosecutor: Laura Ward
Police Agency: Elsmere
 
On 4/15/08 Barnett pled guilty to 2nd Degree Unlawful Transaction with a Minor.  Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Laura Ward is recommending that Barnett, who has no prior felony record, be ordered into the felony diversion program for 2 years.  Final sentencing is set for 5/13/08. 
 
Commonwealth v. Peter Bentonpeter benton
Judge: Sheehan
Prosecutor: Rob Sanders
Police Agency: Covington
 
On 4/14/08 Benton pled guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon without the benefit of a plea agreement.  Benton faces 1-5 years at final sentencing on 5/13/08. 
 
Commonwealth v. Joseph Addisonjos addison
Judge: Sheehan
Prosecutor: Leanne Isler
Police Agency: Ft. Wright
 
On 4/14/08 Addison pled guilty to Theft (>$300).  Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Leanne Isler is recommending a 1 year prison sentence.  Final sentencing is set for 5/13/08. 
 
Commonwealth v. Ida Burtonspeech
Judge: Sheehan
Prosecutor: Laura Ward
Police Agency: Ft. Wright
 
On 4/15/08 Burton pled guilty to Unlawful Access to a Conputer.  Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Laura Ward is recommending a 5 year sentence probated for 5 years.  Final sentencing is set for 5/13/08. 
 
Commonwealth v. Tammy Glovertammy glover
Judge: Sheehan
Prosecutor: Alysha McKinney 
Police Agency: Independence
 
On 4/15/08 Glover pled guilty to 3 counts of Possession of a Forged Instrument.  Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Alysha McKinney is recommending a 3 year prison sentence.  Final sentencing is set for 5/13/08.
 
Commonwealth v. Steven Amburgeysteven amburgey
Judge: Sheehan
Prosecutor: Justin Sanders
Police Agency: Covington
 
On 4/15/08 Amburgey pled guilty to 2nd Degree Unlawful Transaction With a Minor.  Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Justin Sanders is recommending a 5 year prison sentence.  Final sentencing is set for 4/29/08.
 
Commonwealth v. Dawnita Neavesaaron pinkleton
Judge: Bartlett
Prosecutor: Rob Sanders 
Police Agency: NKDSF
 
On 2/27/08 Neaves pled guilty to Possession of a Controlled Substance (cocaine).  Commonwealth's Attorney Rob Sanders recommend a sentence of 18 months in prison.  On 4/14/08 Neaves was sentenced to 3 years probated for 3 years. 
 
Commonwealth v. Harper Comer Jr.aaron pinkleton
Judge: Bartlett
Prosecutor: Justin Sanders
Police Agency: Covington
 
On 3/5/08 Comer pled guilty to Possession of a Controlled Substance (cocaine).  On 4/14/08 Comer was sentenced to 3 years probated for 3 years.
 
Commonwealth v. Shannon Mullenaaron pinkleton
Judge: Bartlett
Prosecutor: Leanne Isler
Police Agency: Crescent Springs
 
On 3/5/08 Mullen pled guilty to 3rd Degree Burglary.  Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Leanne Isler recommended a 1 1/2 year prison sentence.  On 4/14/08 Mullen was sentenced to 3 years probated for 5 years.
 
Commonwealth v. Mykel Lindsayaaron pinkleton
Judge: Bartlett
Prosecutor: Rob Sanders 
Police Agency: NKDSF
 
On 3/5/08 Lindsay pled guilty to 2 counts of Trafficking in a Controlled Substance (cocaine).  Commonwealth's Attorney Rob Sanders recommended a 6 year prison sentence.  On 4/14/08 Lindsay was sentenced to 6 years in prison. 
 
Commonwealth v. Venus Grayeraaron pinkleton
Judge: Bartlett
Prosecutor: Joseph Meadows 
Police Agency: Covington
 
On 3/4/08 Grayer pled guilty to Possession of a Controlled Substance (cocaine).  Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Joe Meadows recommended a sentenced of 1 year in prison.  On 4/14/08 Grayer was sentenced to 3 years probated for 3 years.
 
Commonwealth v. Erik Spiceraaron pinkleton
Judge: Bartlett
Prosecutor: Leanne Isler
Police Agency: Kenton Co. Police
 
On 2/5/08 Spicer pled guilty to 1st Degree Fleeing Police and Receiving Stolen Property (>$300).  Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Leanne Isler recommended a sentence of 18 months on each count.  On 4/14/08 Spicer was sentenced to 18 months in prison on each count. 
 
Commonwealth v. John Collinsaaron pinkleton
Judge: Bartlett
Prosecutor: Leanne Isler
Police Agency: Covington
 
On 11/27/07 Collins pled guilty to Theft (>$300).  Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Leanne Isler recommended a 2 year sentence probated for 2 years.  On 4/14/08 Collins was sentenced to 2 years probated for 2 years.
 
Commonwealth v. Mark Ruthruff IIaaron pinkleton
Judge: Sheehan
Prosecutor: Alysha McKinney
Police Agency: Independence
 
On 3/18/08 Ruthruff pled guilty to Theft of a Controlled Substance.  Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Alysha McKinney recommended a sentence of 3 years probated for 3 years.  On 4/14/08 Ruthruff was sentenced to 3 years probated for 3 years.
 
Commonwealth v. Abliwali Gurhanaaron pinkleton
Judge: Sheehan
Prosecutor: Alysha McKinney
Police Agency: Erlanger
 
On 3/18/08 Gurhan pled guilty to Receiving Stolen Property (>$300).  Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Alysha McKinney recommended a sentence of 1 year in prison.  On 4/15/08 Gurhan was sentenced to 1 year in prison.
 
 
Commonwealth v. Daryle Wellsaaron pinkleton
Judge: Sheehan
Prosecutor: Alysha McKinney
Police Agency: Covington
 
On 3/18/08 Wells pled guilty to Possession of a Controlled Substance (cocaine).  Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Alysha McKinney recommended that Wells, who has no prior felony record, be ordered into the felony diversion program for 3 years.  On 4/15/08 Wells was ordered into the felony diversion program for 3 years.
 
Commonwealth v. Angela Hayesaaron pinkleton
Judge: Sheehan
Prosecutor: Joseph Meadows
Police Agency: Covington
 
On 3/18/08 Hayes pled guilty to Possession of a Controlled Substance (cocaine).  Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Joe Meadows recommended that Hayes, who has no prior felony record, be ordered into the felony diversion program for 2 years.  On 4/15/08 Hayes was ordered into the felony diversion program for 3 years.
 
Commonwealth v. Amber Reekersaaron pinkleton
Judge: Sheehan
Prosecutor: Alysha McKinney
Police Agency: Covington
 
On 3/18/08 Reekers pled guilty to Possession of a Controlled Substance (cocaine).  Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Alysha McKinney recommended that Reekers, who has no prior felony record, be ordered into the felony diversion program for 3 years.  On 4/15/08 Wells was ordered into the felony diversion program for 3 years.
FAILED TO APPEAR/WANTED:  
Darrell Sawyerdarrell sawyer
Bond $10,000
Original Charge(s):
Poss. of a Handgun by Convicted Felon
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gary Hardinggary harding
Bond: $10,000
Original Charge(s):
Poss. of a Controlled Substance (unspecified)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Robert Dollensrobert dollens
Bond: $5,000
Original Charge(s):
Flagrant Non-Support
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Louis Iverylouis ivery
Bond: $10,000
Original Charge(s):
Trafficking in a Controlled Substance (cocaine)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deondra Brooksdeondra brooks
Bond: $5,000
Original Charge(s):
Bailjumping 1st Degree
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Larry Smithspeech
Bond: $5,000
Original Charge(s):
Bribing a Witness
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
**Law Enforcement should confirm warrants prior to arrest.  Do not rely solely on this information!**
IMPORTANT LAW ENFORCEMENT REMINDER!  
Study Says Crime Costs The U.S. $2 Trillion A Year

dollar signWith violent crime down in the U.S., crime is not on the top of people's agenda, but that may change soon.

The media and many politicians are now focused on the number of convicted criminals in our nation's jails and prisons and are calling for a significant reduction in that number.

However, it will be difficult to sell sentencing "reforms", unless the decision-makers can assure the public that their "reforms" will keep crime down and our citizens safe.

According to the University of Chicago's Jen Ludwig, crime already costs the U.S. around $2 trillion.

***Editor's Note: Don't forget to remind your legislators that a low crime rate is a GOOD thing and letting felons out of prison early is NOT the way to raise revenue to pay for PORK!
 
OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT NEWS  
Kentucky Prosecutors May Have To Cut Staff
 
State budget cuts are expected to cost about 100 people their jobs in prosecutors' offices across Kentucky, raising the possibility of case backlogs, delays and more plea bargains in state courts. It isn't clear how many of the cuts will be lawyers who prosecute cases.
 
The state Prosecutors' Advisory Council, which is led by the state attorney general and allocates money approved by the legislature to commonwealth's attorneys and county attorneys, will meet later this month to work out such details.

Last week, the Department of Public Advocacy, which oversees the state's system of public defenders, announced it would cut 54 positions because of state budget cuts, which could ultimately lead to a court battle over the state's responsibility to provide competent legal counsel to low-income Kentuckians. In fact, the agency may start refusing to take indigent clients for some types of cases, according to Robert Ewald, chairman of the Department of Public Advocacy Commission. But that is not an option for prosecutors.

 "We have to prosecute everything, and it's not a matter of us deciding that we are not going to prosecute specific kinds of cases," said Fayette Commonwealth's Attorney Ray Larson, also a member of the prosecutors' council.

Larson said the county attorneys and commonwealth's attorneys are facing an expected shortfall of $7 million over the next two years. This comes at a time when prosecutors already are complaining that while the number of cases has skyrocketed in recent years, the number of attorneys handling them has not.
http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080415/NEWS0101/804150380/1008/NEWS01
 
Thank you for taking the time to stay informed about criminal justice in Kenton County.   
 
Sincerely,
Signature
Rob Sanders
Commonwealth's Attorney Office
 

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