In Aug. 2 issue, Russell County News

The following pleadings and sentencings were recently handed down by Commonwealth Attorney Matthew Leveridge.

Boling sentenced to 2 years in prison and ordered to repay crime victims

On July 22, Ty Boling of Somerset was sentenced to 2 years in prison upon the recommendation of the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Boling previously pled guilty to numerous counts of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, 2nd Degree. 

Leveridge said he recommended that Boling receive the two year sentence and be ordered to repay the victims after his release from prison.

Branham pleads guilty to burglary

On July 22, Jeremy Branham entered a plea of guilty to one count of Burglary, 3rd Degree and three counts of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, 2nd Degree according to Matthew Leveridge.  Branham was accused of breaking into a Jamestown residence and taking a checkbook then using three of the forged checks.   

Leveridge said he recommended a sentence of 5 years on the charges but, due to Branham’s age and that this was a first offense, Leveridge said he recommended he be placed on Pretrial Diversion.  As part of the diversion program requirements, Branham will have to repay the victims for their losses, maintain full time employment or be a full time student, will have to do 100 hours of community service and will have to make a donation of $100 to the Russell County 4-H gun safety program.  If Branham fails to pay restitution or fails to complete the diversion program requirements, he faces 5 years in prison.

McAllister pleads guilty to burglary and related charges

On July 22, Kenneth McAllister entered a plea of guilty to one count of one count of Burglary, 3rd Degree, one count of Criminal Mischief, 1st Degree and one count of Theft by Unlawful Taking over $300 according to the Commonwealth’s Attorney.  McAllister was accused of breaking into a business in Russell Springs and stealing and damaging property in the process.

Leveridge said he recommended that McAllister receive the two year sentence and be ordered to repay the victims after his release from prison.  Leveridge said he opposes probation for McAllister.  Sentencing will take place on August 15, 2008.

Passmore gets thirteen years for possessing forged checks

On July 22, Eldon Passmore, Jr. entered a plea of guilty to several counts of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, 2nd Degree according to Leveridge.  He was accused of knowingly being in possession of forged checks. 

Leveridge said he recommended a sentence of 2 years on the charges and recommended that the sentence run consecutive to a 6 year sentence from a prior Russell County case and consecutive to a 5 year sentence from a prior Casey County case, for a total recommendation of 13 years.  Leveridge said he opposes probation for Passmore.

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

On July 22, Michael Wright entered a guilty plea to two counts of Burglary, 3rd Degree and two counts of Theft by Unlawful Taking over $300 according Leveridge.Wright was accused of twice breaking into a Dunnville residence and taking items from the residence. 

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

Weier sentenced to 5 years in prison for failing Drug Court

On July 22, Chad Weier was sentenced to 5 years in prison for failing to complete the Drug Court program.  Weier had been placed on pre-trial diversion so he would have the opportunity to enroll in the Drug Court program. Leveridge argued that Weier had violated the terms and conditions of his pre-trial diversion by being terminated from Drug Court. 

Leveridge stated that Weier 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 Weier to 5 years in prison.er was originally charged with Burglary, 3rd Degree and Theft by Unlawful Taking over $300.