Judge refers two defendants referred to grand jury 

By Emily Williams

A defendant facing drug charges in Batesville Municipal Court Wednesday was advised she was not allowed to drive herself home after officers noticed she was acting as if she were under the influence of something.

Captain Jimmy McCloud told the judge, “We can’t let her drive out of here like this.”

Judge Bill McKenzie asked Lauren E. Robison, 247 Pollard St., Batesville, if she was “OK” after she slowly approached the bench with heavy eyes. Robison slurred as she entered guilty pleas to open container, possession of marijuana in a vehicle and possession of paraphernalia. She was fined $1,393 and called someone to pick her up.

Jamarlin O. Ladd, 207 Fisher St., Batesville, was referred to the grand jury for grand larceny. He also had old fines of $328 due since April 2015.

Latisha S. Curry, 207 Fisher St., Batesville, was referred to the grand jury for grand larceny. 

Everett R. Mixon, 210 Georgia St., Batesville, entered a not guilty plea to simple assault. A trial was set.

Samuel G. Mears, 8145 McMinnville, Morrison, Tenn., entered a guilty plea to shoplifting work boots from Walmart.  

Mears told the judge he worked in construction.

“Why didn’t you borrow the money?” asked McKenzie.

“I didn’t want to ask,” Mears said.

He was fined $1,146.

Joseph Floyd, 307 Fifth St., Marks, failed to appear to answer shoplifting charges. Alright Bonding was notified.

Tabitha Hamilton, 21-A Scott Rd., Batesville, entered a guilty plea to shoplifting from Walmart. She was fined $1,146.

Bryan D. Davis, 190 Kornegay Rd., Batesville, had a DUI-refusal and careless driving case continued.

Candace Saulberry, 970 Frank Smith Rd., Batesville, had old fines of $551 due since August 2014. She was told to have her fines paid by September 18 or serve 90 days in jail.

Sammy D. Barksdale, 201 Pettit St., Batesville, paid his old fines of $306, due since October 2014 in full prior to court. 

Courtney Pride, 209 Claude St., Batesville, was found guilty of having loud music after Officer Ruby Myers entered video evidence.

“It was not louder than I was talking,” Pride testified.

“How far could you hear your music?” the judge asked.

“From here to that door,” Pride said as he pointed to the door behind him in the court room.

The judge read the loud music ordinance to Pride stating while operating a vehicle, music should not be audible 30 feet or more away. 

“I know 30 feet does not seem that far away, but that’s what the ordinance states,” the judge said.

He was fined $177.

Ahmed Bouchouka, 10 Sarah St. North, Charleston, had a simple assault charge dismissed due to lack of proof.