In June 19-25 issue

Commonwealth Attorney Matthew Leveridge announced the following plea agreements and sentencings in cases at Russell Circuit Court.

Ard sentenced to 5 years in prison for burglary and theft charges

On June 10, 2008, Dustin Ard was sentenced to 5 years in prison upon the recommendation of Commonwealth’s Attorney Matthew Leveridge.  Ard pled guilty to numerous charges, including burglary and theft.  Leveridge said he recommended that, in addition to prison, Ard be ordered to pay restitution to the crime victims after he was released from prison.

Duncan given 5 years with the opportunity to complete the Drug Court program

On June 10, 2008, Amber Duncan entered a guilty plea to Theft by Unlawful Taking over $300 according to Commonwealth’s Attorney, Matthew Leveridge.  Duncan was accused of taking merchandise valued at more than $300 from K-Mart in Russell Springs.
Leveridge said that Duncan was given a 5 years sentence on the charges, but will be given the opportunity to complete the Drug Court program instead of going to prison.  As part of the Drug Court requirements, Duncan will have to pay back any loss K-Mart suffered in the theft.  If Duncan fails to pay her restitution or fails to complete the Drug Court program, she could be sentenced to 5 years in prison.

Foley given 5 years with the opportunity to complete the Drug Court program

On June 10, 2008, Brittany Foley entered a guilty plea to five counts of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, 2nd Degree and two counts of Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card over $100 according to Commonwealth’s Attorney, Matthew Leveridge.

Foley was accused of possessing and passing checks she knew were forged and using someone else’s credit card to get cash from a local bank.  Leveridge said that Foley was given a 5 years sentence on the charges, but will be given the opportunity to complete the Drug Court program instead of going to prison. 

As part of the Drug Court requirements, Foley will have to pay back any money taken from the check owner and the local businesses.  If Foley fails to pay her restitution or fails to complete the Drug Court program, she could be sentenced to 5 years in prison.

Rowe sentenced to 2 years in prison for failing Drug Court

On June 10, 2008, Patrick Rowe was sentenced to 2 years in prison for failing to complete the Drug Court program.  Rowe had been placed on pre-trial diversion so he would have the opportunity to enroll in the Drug Court program.  Leveridge argued that

Rowe had violated the terms and conditions of his pre-trial diversion by being terminated from Drug Court.  Leveridge stated that Rowe should be sent to the penitentiary as a consequence of his actions.  Hon. Vernon Miniard, Jr., Judge of the Russell Circuit Court granted the request sentenced Rowe to 2 years in prison.

Rowe was originally charged with Theft by Unlawful Taking over $300.

Watson pleads guilty to possessing controlled substances

On June 10, 2008, Jerry Watson entered a plea of guilty to one count of Possession of Controlled Substances, 1st Degree and DUI, 1st Degree according to Commonwealth’s Attorney, Matthew Leveridge. 

Watson was accused of driving his vehicle while under the influence and illegally having controlled substances in his possession.  Leveridge said he recommended a sentence of 2 years on the charges.  Leveridge said he opposes probation for Watson.  Sentencing will take place on August 6, 2008.

These court actions were made in Russell Circuit Court, according to Leveridge.