By Emily D. Williams

An Indianapolis man, charged with several felonies in connection with the robbery and kidnapping of a Batesville woman on December 7, was denied a bond reduction and referred to the grand jury by Judge Jay Westfaul during a probable cause hearing in Batesville Municipal Court Wednesday.

Joseph Davis, 425 Arthur Ave., Indianapolis, is charged with  kidnapping, armed robbery, simple assault, possession of controlled substance (with firearm enhancement), felony fleeing, resisting arrest, improper equipment, running a stop sign (x5), no proof of insurance and reckless driving.

Three other defendants had been quickly arrested following the incident, but Davis had fled the state.

According to the jail log Davis was arrested on January 26.

After the judge read the charges to the defendant, who was holding papers in his cuffed hands, Davis asked, “Can I have a bond reduction?”

His bond was $110,000.
The judge replied, “No.”

“All I did was let someone borrow my car!” Davis exclaimed.

“There is probable cause these charges were committed,” Westfaul replied.

“What about code 6.03 or something like that where I am supposed to see a judge within 48 hours? I been in jail a week!” Davis said.

“Sir, I don’t know what law or code numbers you are spouting out, but the laws of Mississippi have been fully complied with,” Westfaul answered.

Davis was referred to the grand jury.

Other cases
Antonio Johnson, 211 Noble St., Batesville, was found guilty of domestic violence-simple assault after a brief trial.

Officer Justin Maples testified that on January 15 a 911 call was made reporting a domestic violence disturbance at 211 Noble.

The officer said when they responded he saw the victim walking.

“She said they’d gotten into an argument,” Maples said.

Photos in the evidence file showed items strewn all over the house, including DVDs and a pair of glasses on the floor.

The judge held up the photos along with a photo of the victim’s face that had a bloody scratch on it.

“She was whoopin my tail,” Johnson told the judge.

“What is this? Do you keep your house this dirty all the time?” the judge asked as he held up the photo where the incident occurred.

Neither answered.

“He did break my glasses,” the victim said.

They both said that domestic violence did not occur.

“There is no doubt in my mind you are guilty,” the judge said.

Johnson was fined $404.

“There is help for those who are in abusive relationships,” Westfaul told the victim.

Elton H. Turner Jr., 109 Martinez St., Batesville, was fined $404 after being found guilty of domestic violence-simple assault.

A stalking case was determined to be a civil matter and the judge told the affiant, Robert Rose III, and defendant, Kori Ratcliff, to stay away from each other after they both testified.

Ratcliff’s mother said,  “This has been going on a year and it’s not one sided.”

They agreed to stay away from each other.

Dillard Roach, 809 Carr Ave., Clarksdale, had a stalking charge dismissed after the affiant, Amy Roach, failed to appear to prosecute.

Patrick Tallant, paid a cash bond prior to court for public drunk and carrying a concealed weapon. His fine was $766.

Carl K. Rogers, 114 Hoskins Rd., Batesville, had a charge for disorderly conduct remanded to the files for six months pending good behavior.

 Ricky Keen Jr., Batesville, was given time served for the six days in jail he served for disorderly conduct-failure to comply.

Joseph Alred, 1842 Bethlehem Rd., Batesville, entered a not guilty plea to petit larceny. A trial was set for March 20.

Larry Baskins, 106 Creek Dr., Como, failed to appear to answer a shoplifting charge. Alright Bonding was notified.

Nolan Henderson, 632 Ross St., Lambert, failed to appear to answer a shoplifting charge. Fox Bonding was notified.

Desiree McElroy, 232 Barker Rd., Courtland, entered a not guilty plea to shoplifting from Vanity Fair. A trial was set for March 16.

Jerry Ballard, 132 Field, Batesville, entered a guilty plea to DUI-first and improper equipment. He was fined $934.

Chris McFarling, 2498 Henderson, Batesville, entered a guilty plea to DUI-refusal and leaving the scene of an accident. He was fined $988.

Tabetha Jenkins, 315 Hickory, Batesville, entered a guilty plea to domestic violence-simple assault. She was fined $404.

Stephanie Tribble, 112 Vance St., Batesville, entered a guilty plea to domestic violence-simple assault and was fined $634. She also had fines of $2,201.25 that had been due since May 2011.

“Have you paid these fines?” the judge asked.

“I’ll pay them when I get my income taxes,” Tribble replied.

The judge sentenced her to 90 days in jail.

“You can get out when you pay the fines,” said Westfaul.

Tickets
Bobby J. Williams, 82 Walthall St., Grenada, was fined $205 for no proof of insurance.

Gillian L. McMinn, 1413 Anthony Rd., Pope, was fined $212 for no tag.

Janeka S. Douglas, 78 Sugar Rd., Enid, was fined $911 for no proof of insurance and no driver’s license.

Eric Henderson, 818 Bethlehem Rd., Batesville, was fined $605 for no proof of insurance.