Child abuse case goes to Panola County Grand Jury

By Emily Williams
Judge Bill McKenzie referred a man to the grand jury on charges of felony child abuse during Wednesday’s session of Batesville Municipal Court.
Justin W. Tamboli, 8044 Ashbrooke Dr., Southaven, signed waivers before approaching the bench in cuffs and had nothing to say as the judge told him the procedures for felony cases.
On August 30 The Panolian reported that a man driving on Highway 51 South had stopped when he spotted a small child wandering in the busy highway about 8 a.m. August 24.
Batesville police officers eventually were able to get in touch with the child’s biological father, who came from work and was questioned by a DHS representative and Detective Captain George Williford.
The investigation led officers to charge the father, Justin Wade Tamboli, 35, of Southaven with felony child abuse and neglect. Municipal Judge Jay Westfaul set Tamboli’s bond at $150,000. His first court appearance is scheduled for Batesville Municipal Court Wednesday, Sept. 7, BPD Assistant Chief Jimmy McCloud said.
The boy is in custody of DHS.
“They’ll evaluate what’s best,” Williford said.
No bond was listed on the docket and Tamboli was released back into the custody of the Panola County Sheriff’s Department.
Quincy D. Harris, 202-B Lester St., Batesville, was referred to the grand jury for grand larceny and was appointed David Walker as an attorney.
Percy K. Roberson, 201 Atkins, Sardis, had a case continued for possession of controlled substance with intent, open container, no driver’s license, improper equipment and old fines of $843 due since March 2016.
Anthony A. Stanton, 220 Gay St., Batesville, entered  a not guilty plea to a dog at large charge filed by affiant, Robert Collier.
“My dog was locked up,” Stanton said.
Stanton told the judge it was another dog and not his.
A trial was set for September 28.
Donna Jean Palmer, 200 Hwy. 51 South, Batesville, entered a guilty plea to open container. She was fined $327.
Mykevian Q. Bobo, 214 Sherwood Rd., Batesville, entered a guilty plea to simple possession of marijuana.
He had a disorderly conduct-failure to comply charge but was not fined after he disputed the charge.
Jody L. Smith, 110 Jeff Sanders Rd., Batesville, failed to appear for the second time to answer a simple assault charge.
Judge McKenzie issued a warrant for his arrest.
Chanlor M. Hohensee, 101 Creekmore Blvd., Coldwater, entered a not guilty plea to stealing five items from Walmart. A trial was set for September 21.
Michael Ballentine, East Lee St., Sardis, was represented by Attorney David Walker for his initial appearance for shoplifting fro Circle K.
A guilty plea was entered and he was fined $1,146 due in 30 days.
Ronnie Foster, 790 Loden, Holcomb, had old fines of $1,793 due since November 2014. He told the judge he didn’t have an opportunity to pay the fines due to being in prison. He told the judge his address was now Hwy. 35 South, Batesville. Before court was over, Foster was taken into the custody of MDOC for reasons not addressed in open court.
Brandon M. Cauthen, 2025 N. 46th St., East St. Louis, Ill., was fined $2,139 for possession of marijuana in a vehicle, disorderly conduct-failure to comply, resisting arrest, failure to stop for officer signal and speeding.
Michael R. Nelson, 2851 Shiloh Rd., Courtland, was found guilty of no seat belt and no proof of insurance. He was fined $867. He previously entered a guilty plea to no tag.