In Mar. 27-Apr. 2 issue

Editor’s Note: The following is a new submission from the Commonwealth Attorney’s office. This county’s prosecutor in circuit court, Matthew Leveridge has provided this information and has pledged to publicize the results of cases he brings to court in the future.

Robertson pleads guilty to theft charges

March 11the Gary Shannon Robertson entered a plea of guilty to one count of Theft by Unlawful Taking over $300 according to Commonwealth's Attorney, Matthew Leveridge. Robertson was accused of taking property valued at more than $300 from a truck in the Kroger parking lot. Leveridge said he recommended a sentence of 1 year on the theft charge to run consecutive to a previous case for a total effective sentence of 14 years to serve. Sentencing will take place April 22nd.

Stephens pleads guilty to burglary and related charges

On March 11th Adam Stephens entered a plea of guilty to one count of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, 2nd Degree, one count of Burglary, 2nd Degree, one count of Theft of Controlled Substances and one count of Theft by Unlawful Taking over $300 according to Commonwealth's Attorney, Matthew Leveridge.

Stephens was accused of cashing a forged check, and breaking into a local home where he is accused of stealing cash and controlled substances. Leveridge said he recommended a sentence of 5 years on these charges to run consecutive to a previous case for a total effective sentence of 10 years to serve. Sentencing will take place on April 28th.

West sentenced to 13 years on auto theft and firearms theft charges

On March 11th Dennis Keith West was sentenced to 13 years in prison upon the recommendation of Commonwealth's Attorney Matthew Leveridge. West plead guilty to numerous charges, including auto theft and theft of a firearm. Leveridge said he recommended a sentence of 3 years on the theft charges to run consecutive to a series of previous cases from other counties for a total effective sentence of 13 years to serve. Leveridge said he opposed probation for West.

Ellison pleads guilty to theft charges

On March 11, 2008, Michael Ellison entered a plea of guilty to Theft by Unlawful Taking over $300 according to Commonwealth's Attorney, Matthew Leveridge. Ellison was accused of taking property valued at more than $300 from Rogers' Aluminum and Glass. Leveridge said he recommended 2 years on the charge but requested that Ellison be placed on pre-trial diversion for 2 years so he could make restitution to Rogers' Aluminum and Glass for the items he took.

Hicks sentenced to 13 years on drug trafficking charges

On March 11, 2008, Bradley Hicks was sentenced to 13 years in prison upon the recommendation of Commonwealth's Attorney Matthew Leveridge. Hicks plead guilty to Trafficking in Controlled Substances. Leveridge said he recommended a sentence of 3 years on the drug charges to run consecutive to a previous case for a total effective sentence of 13 years to serve. Leveridge said he opposed probation for Hicks.