Simple assault in neighborhood spat draws fine in city court

By Rupert Howell

Erica R. Harris  of 207 Draper, Batesville was found guilty of simple assault and fined $320, but only after Municipal Judge Bill McKenzie sternly advised her and affiant Amanda Caine to learn to set the right kind of examples for their children.

An issue arising between neighbors’ children grew into a full-fledged spat when Caine was slapped, which Harris readily admitted.

After allowing the women to air circumstances and accusations toward one another, McKenzie explained that his job was to determine if charges were true that Harris did in fact slap Caine.

“There’s never justification for physical contact,” the judge noted and added that his verdict, “Doesn’t mean you’re all right (Caine) or that you’re all wrong (Harris).”

The judge advised the affiant to learn to listen, stating, “That would help a lot.”

Harris was also ordered to have old fines paid by next week and to have $252 for the current charge paid within 30 days.

Destiny Petit of 409 Tocowa Rd. and Willie J. Sayle of 18 Harmon Circle had both bonded out and were bound over to the Panola County Grand Jury.

Petit is charged with felony possession of a controlled substance with intent, possession of firearm enhancement and two counts of simple possession of a controlled substance.

Sayle faces similar charges with the addition of driving without a license and expired tag.

Jeremy Dillard of 9 Ramsey Circle pleaded guilty to a simple possession of marijuana charge and was fined $443.

“Did you learn anything?” McKenzie asked.

“Yeah,” Dillard replied.

“What (did you learn)?” McKenzie countered.

Dillard replied, “About $450 worth.”

Reginald Chapman of 170 Greenbriar Circle, Courtland was also charged with possession of marijuana.

The judge asked Chapman who pleaded guilty where he worked.

“Never had a job,” Chapman replied.

He had previously indicated that he didn’t believe smoking one or two (joints or blunts) a day was a violation of the law. Chapman said he worked cutting yards and bushes when he needed money.

Marchello M. Mark of 339 Greenhill Circle, Sardis failed to appear on a charge of public profanity, thereby forfeiting a $225 bond.

Richard D. Williams of 432 Tubbs Rd., Batesville did not appear for charges of switched tag and simple possession of marijuana. His bond had been set at $670.

Affiant Romona Ferrell asked that a warrant be issued for Sharonda Harris of 4060 Curtis Road on a charge of simple assault for which Harris failed to appear.

Roger Lynn Hentz of 5219 Hwy. 51 S, Pope failed to appear on a charge of shoplifting from Tractor Supply. An appearance bond had been set at $1,146.

Tickets included William Armistead who was charged with parking in a handicap spot at Westridge Apartments. 

Cortney Jones of 331 Sims Hawkins Road pleaded guilty to driving with a switched tag.

Marlene McMurry of 107 MLK, Batesville was asked to provide further documentation and return next Wednesday to answer for an expired tag charge.