Defendent arrested in court after accidentally dropping Xanax

By Ashley Crutcher
Defendent dropped a controlled substance in the middle of court during Wednesday’s session of Batesville Municipal Court.
It was the close eye of Officer Ron Yancey who witnessed Rashunda Ladd of 7884 Pine Frost Ln., Memphis, drop a long white pill believed to be Xanax. Ladd failed to appear last week to answer charges for resisting arrest, shoplifting and simple possession of marijuana and arrived late in court to plead guilty to the charges.
Ladd was quickly escorted to the back room of the municipal court where she was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance.
Ladd has 30 days to pay the current fine in the amount of $1,917 and will return to court to face charges for possession of a controlled substance.
Jarrod Petty, 4903 Lucious Taylor Rd., Como, was found guilty of stealing a 27 cent piece of candy after Affiant Randy Morror testified stating Petty ate the candy without paying for it.
Petty did not contest Morrow’s testimony stating he did take the piece of candy and eat it, but advised he has always gotten a piece of candy and paid for it later.
Petty had worked for the store for going on seven years. “How serious are you,” asked the judge.
“We have zero tolerance for theft,” said Morrow.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s 27 cents or $27,000, stealing is stealing,” said Judge Westfaul. Petty was found guilty but the judge did not impose the usual $1,146 fine.
Petty was ordered to repay the .27 in restitution but only had a dollar and no change. An audience member kindly offered .27 cents to Petty.
John Railey, IV pleaded not guilty to domestic violence. Railey had two other charges of disorderly conduct-failure to comply and malicious mischief which were remanded to the files after Railey agreed to pay $50 in restitution for damages to the affiant’s vehicle. The domestic violence case is set to go to trial on April 4.
Stephen Goff, 4240 Twisted Run Ln., Vancleave, was charged with DUI first and careless driving which were nonadjudicated. Goff was represented by Attorney Jeff Padgett.
Harvey White, 137 Love Ave., Crowder, was charged with felony possession of a controlled substance and possession of paraphernalia.
White requested a bond reduction which Judge Westfaul granted reducing the $5,000 bond to $2,500.
Kelsey Ford, 70 Walker Bobo Rd., Lambert, was charged with felony possession of a controlled substance, simple possession of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia.
Ford also requested a bond reduction which the judge granted reducing the bond to $2,500.
The case has been bound over to the Panola County Grand Jury.
Michael R. Strong, 25643 Hwy. 35, Sardis, requested a continuance to answer for charges of DUI first-other, expired driver’s license and no proof of insurance.
“My attorney advised me to ask for a continuance,” said Strong.
The judge advised Strong to have his attorney enter an initial appearence. The case will be continued April 25.
Brandy Lutts, 214 Court St., Batesville, pleaded guilty to DUI first and no proof of insurance.
“Is there anything I can do to help,” asked Lutts. “Get insurance,” advised the judge. “It’ll lower the fine by $400.” Lutts was ordered to attend MASEP classes.
Walter Henry, 1255 Hunters Pkwy., Batesville, pleaded guilty to shoplifting and will serve 20 days in the work program to pay for his $1,146 fine.
Derrick D. Turner, 686 Herron Rd., Courtland, was charged with contempt of court for old unpaid fines in the amount of $2,399 from October of 2016.
“I wasn’t working before,” said Turner. “But I have a job now.”
“I don’t want to put you in jail cause you’d lose your job but it is a lot of money,” said Judge Westfaul. Turner will set up a payment plan to take care of the old fines.
Jamian W. Johnson, 209 Teasdale Rd., Enid, pleaded guilty to simple possession of marijuana in a motor vehicle. Johnson has 30 days to pay the $683 fine.
Alisha H. Lantrip, 2288 Crouch Rd., Batesville, pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct-failure to comply. Lantrip faces a $647 fine to be paid in 30 days.
James K. McGhee, 134 Patton Ln., Batesville, pleaded not guilty to domestic violence-simple assault. The case is set to go to trial April 25.
Judge Westfaul reminded McGhee of the no contact order which will remain in effect until the trial. McGhee also has old fines and requested to join the work program.
Tavanza M. Malone, 619 Christie St., Dyersburg, failed to appear to answer charges for simple possession of marijuana in a vehicle. A warrant was issued for Malone’s arrest.
Taleshia Baskerville, 3720 Ramblewood Dr., Hornlake, failed to appear to answer charges for disorderly conduct-failure to comply. Al Williams Bonding Company has been notified.
Brittany Bounds, 5951 Mingle Dr., Memphis, failed to appear to answer charges for disorderly conduct- failure to comply, possession of paraphernalia, and shoplifting. Al Williams Bonding Company has been notified.
Brandon Burton, 10765 Charlie Pride Hwy., Lambert, was charged with burglary, conspiracy to commit a crime and four counts of petit larceny. The case is to be continued.