Man accused of bank robbery back in municipal court
By Emily Williams
The young man charged in the robbery of the Power Drive branch of First Security Bank on July 19 appeared in Batesville Municipal Court Wednesday.
Johnny Newton, 12140 Alamar St., Biloxi, returned for review asking Judge Bill McKenzie for a bond reduction.
His mother was in court two weeks ago explaining she was trying to sell land to make bond, if the judge would lower the $1 million bond.
Detective George Williford explained to the judge that Newton has warrants in Florida for a bank robbery on Father’s Day and also Biloxi for robbery charges.
Judge McKenzie explained to Newton’s mother that she would just be "throwing away" money to bond him out considering he would be "picked up" for the charges in Florida and Biloxi as soon as he got out of jail in Panola County.
"He is worth it, he’s not a throw away kid," Newton’s mother said.
His mother told the judge Newton had been doing better with his drug habit.
"I can tell he is not smoking crack because his face looks better," she said.
"I am just trying to keep you from spending a lot of money," said the judge.
The judge lowered his bond to $500,000.
"Can you lower it to at least $100,000?" Newton asked.
"I have made my ruling," the judge sternly said.
Newton’s girlfriend Julie Lemoine, 14159 Lorraine Rd., Biloxi, returned for review for conspiracy to commit robbery.
Attorney David Walker was appointed as her lawyer.
Her bond was not lowered from the original $750,000 because Det. George Williford suggested to the judge that he considers her a "flight risk." She also has warrants in Florida for other charges.
Shoplifting
A hitch hiker was "down on his luck" when he was caught shoplifting cheese and sausage from Kroger worth $10.98.
"Being down on your luck is bad, but stealing is wrong," the judge said.
"It was a bad decision," said Dennis Poret, who said his home is in Lexington, Ky.
"Someone would have given you food if you asked," the judge said.
The judge sentenced Poret to 10 days in jail and gave him credit for the three days he already served.
Contempt of court
The judge continued contempt of court charges filed against Brandon Ellis, 295 Quincy Rd., Batesville, who owes old fines of $695 that have been due since October 2004.
Timothy Taylor, 171 Panola Rd., Crowder, entered the city’s work program for 41 days instead of paying old fines of $1,667 due since August 2002.
The city’s work release program is an option for defendants who cannot pay their fines.
Simple assault
Dameka Smith, 3408-B Eureka Rd., Batesville, had a simple assault charge dismissed after the affiant Annie Blackburn failed to appear.
Domestic violence
Minnie Porter and John Cotton Jr., Meadowview, Batesville, both had domestic violence-simple assault charges dismissed.
Officer Keith Calvert said he was pumping gas at Rascals when Michael Porter approached him and said that his mother Minnie Porter pulled a gun on him and his step-father John Cotton Jr. choked him.
Officer Keith Calvert did not witness the events and Micheal was not in court to testify.
Without any witnesses, the judge had no choice, but to dismiss the charges.
Chris Pritchard, 952 Wilson Rd., Batesville, entered a guilty plea to domestic violence-simple assault by hitting Tonya Pritchard in the face. He was fined $355.
Cathy Newman, 211 East St., Batesville, had a domestic violence-simple assault case continued to give her an opportunity to get a lawyer.
Nathan Newman, 213 Court St., Batesville, entered a "not guilty" plea to domestic violence. His case was continued.
Disorderly conduct
Davon Ellis, 177 Sandy Creek, Oakland, was fined $605 for disorderly conduct-failure to comply after entering a "guilty" plea.
Jarikk Smith and Jamarr Smith, 210 Gordon Dr., Batesville, were both fined $365 for disorderly conduct-failure to comply after entering "no contest."
Jonathan Sewell, 54 Willow Cove, Pope, paid a fine of $265 in full prior to court for disorderly conduct.
Calvin Clark, 123 Vance St., Batesville, entered a "not guilty" plea to simple assault by throwing an ashtray at Ella Heath and disorderly conduct by going inside his house and locking the door after the police officer asked him to stop. His trial will be August 30.
Other
Catherine Bright, 6416 Barnacre, Sardis, was transferred to the grand jury for forgery and uttering forgery.
Kemisha Trantham, 2278 Shiloh, Courtland, had an embezzlement charge reduced to petit larceny after the store owner of Piggly Wiggly and defendant came to an agreement that a restitution of $800 be paid. She was also fined $305.
Tracy Barksdale, 119 1/2 Field St., Batesville, paid a fine of $605 prior to court for false information.
Roy Jaudon, 13590 Hwy. 35 South, Batesville, had a DUI-other and no proof of insurance case continued.
Roma Sutton, 1626 Nelson Spur, Pope, had a DUI-refusal and no turn signal case continued to August 23.
Kevin Hunt, 1574 Alonzo Gibson, Sardis, was fined $355 for contributing to the delinquency of a 14-year-old minor by not bringing her home when he was told to.
Adam Goodwin, 213 North St., Batesville, entered a guilty plea to public drunk and carrying a concealed weapon (brass knuckles). He was fined $770.
Christopher Whitten, had a felony assault on an officer, DUI second – refusal, open container, no driver’s license, no tag and no insurance case continued.
Kentrell Wiley, had a no driver’s license charge and loud music charge dismissed, but has a fine of $525 due for escape, resisting arrest and petit larceny. He also owes the city a restitution fee of $35 for breaking the hand cuffs with a bolt cutters.
Veronica Robison, 330 Hays St., Batesville, had a harboring or concealing a prisoner (Kentrell Wiley) charge dismissed and was fined $530 for disorderly conductand resisting arrest.
Tickets
Heather Doan, 148 Northwood Dr., Batesville, returned to court to show the judge she did get insurance after the ticket was issued. She also had a switched tag fine lowered after proving she purchased a tag. Her fine was $275.
Al Chester Davis, 25295 Hwy. 35 North, Sardis, had a driving while license suspended fine reduced to $178 after showing proof he had his license reinstated.
"We like people who come in with their business taken care of before court," the judge said.
Pamela Walton, 107 MLK 3-D, Batesville, had a no proof of insurance fine reduced to $183 after proving she received insurance after the ticket was issued.
Billie J. Duncan, 243 Collins Rd., Sardis, had a no proof of insurance charge dismissed after proving she had insurance.
Minnie Perry, Fowler Rd., Courtland, entered the city work program instead of paying a fine of $412 for no driver’s license and careless driving.
Lee Daughtery, Skyline Room No. 110, Batesville, was fined $899 for no insurance, no driver’s license and no seat belt.
Tamika D. Robinson, 111 Williams St., Batesville, was fined $281 for no driver’s license.
Cortez Turner, 107 Martin Luther King, Apt. 8, Batesville, had a driving while license suspended fine reduced after proving he had his license reinstated.
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