Ray Larson, Commonwealth's Attorney

A Message from Ray the D.A.

Ray Larson    Fayette Commonwealth's Attorney

Criminal Justice News & Views
 A prosecutor's point of view
In This Issue
News & Views
Death Row Inmate of the Week
Recent Court Case
Cops & Robbers News
News & Views
Fayette Circuit Court Sentencings - February 15, 2008
Officer Don's Crime Prevention Tip
Officer Don Evans
 
ATM Safety
 
A person using an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) is more likely to be the victim of a street robbery than an ATM crime.
 
However, that is a moot point to those who do suffer such a traumatic incident.
 
Never forget, criminals select their victims and targets.  They focus on the unaware and unprotected.
 
The following tips can make your use of an ATM safer for everyone:

Do not select an ATM at the corner of a building;

Select an ATM in a well-lighted location;

Be aware of anyone sitting in a parked car near an ATM;

Be alert throughout the entire transaction.

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Issue: #5 February/2008
Welcome to our E-Newsletter
 
As you may know, this office believes that people who violate the law should suffer consequences.  As a result, you can expect to receive news that reflects our position on law breakers and criminal justice issues.  We hope you will find the information we provide interesting.
 
Feel free to forward our E-Newsletter to others.
 
Sincerely,
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News & Views
Readers' Choice AwardRay the D.A. Voted Lexington's Favorite Lawyer By Lexington Herald-Leader Readers
 
The Lexington Herald-Leader announced the results of it's 2007 "Readers' Choice" survey of its print and on-line readers recently. The newspaper offered surveys, both in the newspaper and on-line at their website, www.Kentucky.com, where people could choose their favorites in a wide variety of categories.

And who was voted as "Lexington's Favorite Attorney?"
Our own
Ray the D.A., that's who!

It should be noted that the paper disclaimed the results as ". . .an unscientific sampling based on the subjective responses of the readers of the Lexington Herald-Leader and viewers of Kentucky.com."

Death Row Inmate of the Week
 Phillip Brown

 Phillip Brown
21 at the time
Male, Black

In Adair County in 2001, this killer beat a woman 
with a blunt instrument and stabbed her to death. He also stole a 27" color television.
 
On August 19, 2006, Brown was sentenced to Death for Murder. In addition, he was sentenced to 20 years for Robbery and Burglary charges, to be served consecutively for a total of 40 years.
 
Think about it - this brutal killer took someone's life just for a 27" television set.
Recent Court Case
Shirley BachelorCooking the Books
 
Stealing almost a million dollars from your employer without getting caught seems difficult.  Not for Shirley Bachelor.  Shirley Bachelor was a bookkeeper for Glenn Auto Mall where she had worked for 18 years.  She had only one traffic violation on her record until she was charged with four felonies, including Forgery in the Second Degree, Theft by Unlawful Taking, and Theft by Deception.
 
Bachelor started writing fraudulent checks and stealing cash, and then fixing the ledger so it did not reflect her scheme.  For seven years, the bank statements were never checked with the ledger, but Glenn Auto Mall decided to do an audit, and Shirley Bachelor's crimes were discovered.  She was arrested and admitted to forging checks and putting the money in her accounts.  In total, Bachelor had stolen over one million dollars from Glenn Auto Mall, including both cash and checks.
 
Shirley Bachelor was prosecuted in state and federal court.  She pled guilty to count one of Theft by Unlawful Taking, carrying a sentence of one to five years, as well as counts two, three and four, with sentences of one year each.  Bachelor was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $265,287.97 for the stolen cash.  Bachelor will spend five years in prison, which will run concurrent to her federal time.
 
Article written by Gwen Massie, Intern
Gwen Massie
Cops & Robbers News
Larson says, "So Far - So Good," on Identifying Illegal Immigrants Who Commit Felonies
 
I.C.E.Since November, 2007, twenty-two (22) of the thirty-one (31) illegal aliens who have been charged with committing serious felonies in Lexington have had I.C.E. (Federal Immigration-Customs Enforcement) Detainers lodged against them at the Fayette County Detention Center. That means that when they have completed their sentences, they will be deported rather than released back onto our streets.

The crimes for which the 31 are charged include:  Complicity to Murder, Robbery 1st, Rape 1st, Assault 2nd, Burglary 1st, Drug Trafficking and Possession of Forged Resident Alien Cards.

Irving, Texas Says Tough Policy Has Helped Cut City's Crime Rate
 
Down GraphIrving, Texas officials are attributing a 7% drop in crime from 2006 to 2007 to several law enforcement initiatives, including a rigorous program that screens everyone arrested in order to identify their immigration status. Those determined to be illegally in the U.S. are turned over to federal authorities.

The Criminal Alien Program has led to the deportation of over 2,000 people since it began in 2006. Immigrants' rights activists scoff at the thought that the deportation of illegal aliens who commit crimes helps reduce crime.
Source:  Star-Telegram

Mexican Robin Hood Now Considered the "Patron Saint" of Drug Dealers

 Jesus Malverde Statute

Jesus Malverde
Statute

Jesus Malverde has been
revered for almost a century in northwestern Mexico. According to Mexican folklore, he was a Robin Hood figure who took from the rich and gave to the poor until he was killed by police in 1909.

Immigrants have brought that legend to the U.S. and Malverde's image is now thought to offer protection from the law. Malverde is widely considered to be the "Patron Saint" of drug dealers. Experts also say that poor Mexicans pray to Malverde for money and safe passage across the border into the United States.
Source:  New York Times

News & Views
Overflow Crowd Witnesses Police Promotion Ceremony
 
 Promotion Ceremony

L to R, Lou Anna Red Corn, Chief Bastin and Ray Larson

It was standing room only at the Marriott Hotel where families, friends, police and other dignitaries assembled to witness the Promotional Ceremony for Lexington Police.
Chief Ronnie Bastin
announced and promoted his new leadership team for the Lexington Division of Police.

Commonwealth's Attorney
Ray Larson and First Assistant Lou Anna Red Corn were pleased to have been invited to attend. The Commonwealth's Attorney's Office works very closely with all Bureaus of the Division of Police on the most serious crimes which occur in our community.

Chief Bastin named as Assistant Chiefs:

James D. Jackson, Jr.
Kevin B. Sutton
David N. Boggs
Michael D. Bosse
Stephen D. Stanley


Also, Chief Bastin named as Commanders:

Mark G. Barnard
Michael E. Blanton
Shawn R. Coleman
Kelli M. Edwards
William H. Henderson
Alan D. Martin
James C. Newton
Robert S. Stack
Fayette Circuit Court Sentencings
Friday, February 15, 2008
3rd Division - Judge James D. Ishmael, Jr.
FORD, Keith Lamont


Age:  44
 

Keith Ford

REPEAT OFFENDER.  Sentenced to 1 year in prison enhanced to 5 years for Fraudulent Use of Credit Cards > $100 within a 6 month period and status as a Persistent Felony Offender, 12 months in jail for each of 3 additional counts of Fraudulent Use of Credit Cards > $100 within a 6 month period, 12 months in jail for each of 4 counts of Receiving Stolen Property >$300, 12 months in jail for 1st Degree Fleeing or Evading the Police, and 1 year in prison for each of 3 additional counts of Fraudulent Use of Credit Cards > $100 within a 6 month period.  Sentences are to run concurrent for a total of 5 years in prison.  Required to pay restitution of $6,896.18.  Sent to prison.
RANSDELL, Christopher Patrick

Age:  33
 

Christopher Randsdall

REPEAT OFFENDER.  Sentenced to 1 year in prison enhanced to 5 years for Trafficking in Marijuana 8 oz. to < 5 lbs. and status as a Persistent Felony Offender and 12 months in jail for Use/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  Sent to prison.
STEPHENS, Leslie Irene


Age:  29
 

Leslie Stephens

REPEAT OFFENDER.  Sentenced to 1 year in prison enhanced to 5 years for 2nd Degree Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument and 2 years in prison for Fraudulent Use of Credit Cards > $100 within a 6 month period.  Sentences are to run consecutive for a total of 7 years in prison, probated 5 years.  Required to pay restitution of $633.56 and enter and complete Drug Court.
4th Division - Judge Pamela Goodwine
DOATY, James Shannon

Age:  26
 

James Doaty

Sentenced to 5 years in prison for 1st Degree Trafficking in a Controlled Substance, probated 5 years.  Required to attend a re-entry program, undergo substance abuse counseling, and maintain full-time employment.
JOHNSON, Alona C.


Age:  47
 

Alona Johnson

Sentenced to 5 years in prison for Fraudulent Use of Credit Cards > $100 within a 6 month period and 1 year in prison for 2nd Degree Forgery.  Sentences are to run concurrent for a total of 5 years in prison.  Required to pay restitution of $717.56.  Sent to prison.
JOHNSON, Shawn Mashae

Age:  40
 

Shawn Johnson

REPEAT OFFENDER.  Sentenced to 1 year in prison enhanced to 5 years for Fraudulent Use of Credit Card After Reporting Loss/Theft > $300 and status as a Persistent Felony Offender, 12 months in jail for the prosecution's amended charge of 1st Degree Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and 12 months in jail for the prosecution's amended charge of Giving an Officer a False Name or Address.  Sentences are to run concurrent for a total of 5 years in prison, probated 5 years.  Required to pay restitution of $281.71, maintain full-time employment and undergo random drug testing and substance abuse counseling.
7th Division - Judge Sheila R. Isaac
BENTON, Celissa Marie

Age:  23
 

Celissa Benton

Sentenced to 2 years in prison for 2nd Degree Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, probated 5 years.  Required to pay restitution of $1,938.36.
CLARK, Wanda Shannon

Age:  44
 

Wanda Clark

Sentenced to 1 year in prison for the prosecution's amended charge of 2nd Degree Assault Under Extreme Emotional Disturbance, probated 3 years.  Required to pay restitution of $204.12 and complete the Comp Care Recovery Program.
CONTRERAS, Adelfo


Age:  26
 

Adelfo Contreras

Sentenced to 12 months in jail for the prosecution's amended charge of Promoting Contraband, 2 days in jail and a $200 fine for Operating a Motor Vehicle Under/Influence of Alcohol/Drugs, 90 days in jail for Failure of Owner to Maintain Required Insurance/Security, and a $100 fine for Possession of an Open Alcohol Beverage Container in a Motor Vehicle.  Sentences are to run concurrent for a total of 12 months in jail, conditional discharge of 1 year.  License is to be suspended for 45 days and required to pay a $300 DUI Fee.
EDWARDS, Carol Sue


Age:  37
 

Carol Edwards

Sentenced to 1 year in prison for Fraudulent Use of Credit Cards > $100 within a 6 month period, probated 2 years.  Required to undergo random drug testing and pay restitution of $733.36.
LEWIS, Ansara F.


Age:  44
 

Ansara Lewis

Sentenced to 12 months in jail for the prosecution's amended charge of Criminal Attempt to Give False Statement to Obtain Increase of Benefit > $100, probated 2 years.  Required to pay restitution of $14,843.90.
MARTIN, Donald Wayne Jr.

Age:  31
 

Donald Martin

REPEAT OFFENDER.  Sentenced to 7 1/2 years in prison enhanced to 15 years for 1st Degree Trafficking in a Controlled Substance and status as a Persistent Felony Offender, 2 1/2 years enhanced to 10 years in prison for Tampering with Physical Evidence and status as a Persistent Felony Offender.  Sentences are to run concurrent for a total of 15 years in prison.  Sent to prison.
TAYLOR, Timothy Montavis

Age:  25
 

Timothy Taylor

REPEAT OFFENDER.  Sentenced to 1 year in prison enhanced to 5 years for 1st Degree Trafficking in a Controlled Substance and status as a Persistent Felony Offender, 12 months in jail for Possession of Marijuana, and 30 days in jail for Operating on a Suspended/Revoked Operator's License.  Sentences are to run concurrent for a total of 5 years in prison, probated 3 years.  Required to enter and complete the Hoper Center Program in jail.
TERRY, Dwayne Irvin Jr.

Age:  27
 

Dwayne Terry

Sentenced to 1 year in prison for Trafficking in a Controlled Substance within 1,000 yards of a School, probated 3 years.
TODD, Mark A.


Age:  44
 

Mark Todd

Sentenced to 5 years in prison for Theft By Unlawful Taking > $300, 1 year in prison for 2nd Degree Forgery, and 1 year in prison for Theft of Identity of Another without Consent.  First two sentences are to run consecutive for a total of 6 years in prison, probated 5 years.  Required to complete the Hope Center Program in jail and then enter Drug Court upon completion.
8th Division - Judge Thomas L. Clark
BULLOCK, Donna Jean

Age:  28
 

Donna Bullock

Sentenced to 10 years in prison for 2nd Degree Burglary and 1 year in prison for Theft of Mail Matter > $300.  Sentences are to run consecutive for a total of 11 years in prison, probated 5 years.  Required to undergo a mental health evaluation and attend a re-entry program.
HOBBS, Anthony Ray

Age:  42
 

Anthony Hobbs

Sentenced to 12 months in jail for the prosecution's amended charge of Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, probated 2 years.
HUNTER, Robert Todd


Age:  34
 

Robert Hunter

Sentenced to 1 year in prison for Attempt/Obtain a Controlled Substance by Fraud/False Statement to a Practitioner, probated 5 years.
LOTZER, Matthew Charles

Age:  27
 

Matthew Lotzer

Sentenced to 90 days in jail for the prosecution's amended charge of 3rd Degree Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, conditional discharge of 2 years..
 
9th Division - Judge Kimberly Bunnell
BAUMEIER, Pauline Ruth

Age:  52
 

Pauline Baumeier

Sentenced to 5 years in prison for 1st Degree Trafficking in a Controlled Substance, probated 5 years.
JONES, Matthew Ivy


Age:  25
 

Matthew Jones

Sentenced to 5 years in prison for the prosecution's amended charge of 2nd Degree Attempted Sodomy.  Required to register as a sex offender for 20 years.  Sent to prison.
SALYER, James Ronnie

Age:  55
 

James Salyer

Sentenced to 12 months in jail for the prosecution's amended charge of 2nd Degree Wanton Endangerment, 12 months in jail for Possession of Marijuana, 12 months in jail for Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon, and 12 months in jail for Use/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  Sentences are to run concurrent for a total of 12 months in jail, probated 2 years.