In June 28 issue, Russell County News

Commonwealth Attorney Matthew Leveridge reported these pleadings in Russell Circuit Court over the last week.

Luttrell pleads guilty to possession charge

On June 24, 2008, Samuel Luttrell entered a plea of guilty to one count of Possession of Controlled Substances, 1st Degree, 2nd Offense and DUI, 1st Degree according to Commonwealth’s Attorney, Matthew Leveridge. 

Luttrell was accused of driving his vehicle while under the influence and illegally having controlled substances in his possession.  This is the second time Luttrell has possessed illegal controlled substances. 

Leveridge said he recommended a sentence of 5 years on the charges and recommended that the sentence run consecutive to a prior 4 year sentence, for a total recommendation of 9 years.  Leveridge said he opposes probation for Luttrell.

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

On June 24, 2008, Jennifer Meece entered a guilty plea to one count of Theft by Unlawful Taking over $300 and one count of Theft of Identity according to Commonwealth’s Attorney, Matthew Leveridge.  Meece was accused of taking cash from a local person and unlawfully using the victim’s identity. 

Leveridge said that Meece 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, Meece will have to pay back any money taken from the victim.  If Meece fails to pay her restitution or fails to complete the Drug Court program, she faces 5 years in prison.

Napier sentenced to 5 years for receiving stolen property

On June 24, 2008, Chris Napier was sentenced to 5 years in prison and granted probation upon the recommendation of Commonwealth’s Attorney Matthew Leveridge.  Napier pled guilty to numerous charges, including receiving stolen property.

 Leveridge said he recommended that Napier be placed on probation since this is a first offense.  Should Napier fail to abide by the terms of his probation, he faces up to 5 years in prison.

Passmore sentenced to 5 years for failing to make child support payments

On June 24, 2008, Riley Passmore was sentenced to 5 years in prison and granted probation upon the recommendation of Commonwealth’s Attorney Matthew Leveridge.  Passmore previously plead guilty to Flagrant Nonsupport for not making his court ordered child support payments. 

Leveridge said he recommended that Passmore be placed on probation so he could pay the support that his children need.  Leveridge stated that Passmore would be required to pay extra every month to make up on the payments he has missed.  Should Passmore fail to make the payments as directed, he faces up to 5 years in prison.

Phillips pleads guilty to numerous charges

On June 24, 2008, Charles Phillips, Jr. entered a plea of guilty to counts of Fleeing and Evading Police, 1st Degree, two counts of Wanton Endangerment, 1st Degree and DUI 1st Degree according to Commonwealth’s Attorney, Matthew Leveridge. 

Phillips was accused of fleeing from police after the officers turned on their lights and siren directing him to stop.  He was also accused of placing the officers at risk of serious injury and operating his vehicle while under the influence. 

Leveridge said that Phillips 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, Phillips will have random drug and alcohol testing.  If Phillips fails to complete the Drug Court program, he faces 5 years in prison.