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Robbery Facts
Robbery is a theft from a person by use of force or fear.
Most robberies involve one robber and one victim and usually last less than a minute.
Most robbery victims are not injured if they do not resist.
Types of Robberies:
Bank robberies - 2.1%
Late night retail stores - 8.3%
Home invasions - 14.3%
One-on-one robberies - 44.5%
Other robberies - 30.8%
Robber's Weapon of Choice:
Firearms - 42.2%
Knifes - 8.6%
Strong-arm tactics (punching, pushing or threats) - 39.9%
Demographics of Robbers:
Under the age of 25 - 61%
Male - 90%
Black - 54%
White - 44%
Other races - 2%
Time of Day:
Robbery is largely a night-time crime, occurring mostly between 8:00 pm and 3:00 am. |
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TOP STORIES
The Crimefighters' Fact-Checker
The Courier-Journal expresses its editorial opinion in opposition to Kentucky's death penalty. What about the facts on which they base their opinion?
Cops & Robbers News
Criminal justice news and trends from around the country.
Meet Lexington's Felony Prosecutors
Elizabeth Davis focuses on the prosecution of child sexual abuse, specifically those cases in which children are targeted on the internet.
Death Row Inmate of the Week
This killer shot at a Kentucky State Police Trooper, caused another officer's death in a gunfight, and executed a young couple. Recent Court Case
This repeat offender breaks into cars and uses credit cards stolen from those vehicles. Check out his criminal record. He should have been in prison years ago.
Immigration Update
The prosecution of illegal aliens who commit felonies in Lexington.
Want to know what cases were Indicted, Dismissed, or Transferred Back To District Court by the Grand Jury and what cases are set for trial? Check it out here. Last Week's Circuit Court Sentencings
Who went to prison and who was probated. |
| The Crimefighters' Fact-Checker |
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 The Courier-Journal Expresses Its Editorial Opinion In Opposition To Kentucky's Death PenaltyWhat about the facts on which they base their opinion?
Last week the editorial writers at the Louisville Courier-Journal once again voiced their editorial opposition to Kentucky's law which permits juries to impose the death penalty in cases of aggravated murder.
In the days when newspapers were the main source of information, the opinions of editorial writers used to carry some clout. Not so much anymore. There are a number of reasons why editorial opinions of the newspapers are no longer taken as seriously by today's reading public.
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|
Wesley Pruden |
Wesley Pruden, former Editor-in-Chief of the Washington Times, expressed his thoughts on that declining influence, and why almost every newspaper today is reporting declining circulation. He expressed those views to a convention of the Association of Southern Newspaper Publishers.
"Good newspapers do not mock the beliefs of people who we think aren't as enlightened as we think we are. . . . We've developed a distinctly holier-than-thou tone in our writing. We paint the very people we are trying to persuade to read our newspapers as irredeemable racists, depict almost all businessmen as crooks, our religious heritage as bigotry and the culture of the democratic west as evil. Then we don't understand why people don't want to read our newspapers or take us seriously." |
But about the C-J's opinion condemning Kentucky's death penalty. It's not the condescending tone of their writing, we are used to that. It's the questionable information on which they claim to base their opinion that needs to be examined.
 Editorial says:
"Most civilized countries have outlawed the death penalty."
 FACT CHECKER:
We have been led to believe by the media that there is no significant support in England or Europe for the death penalty. This from French daily, Le Monde, 12/2006:
| In favor of executing Saddam Hussein: |
| Great Britain |
69% |
| France |
58% |
| Germany |
53% |
| Spain |
51% |
| Italy |
46% |
| USA |
82% |
Unfortunately, European governments will not permit executions even when their populations support it, nor will they allow the issue to be voted on.
Editorial says:
"If the death penalty were a real deterrent, that would change the argument. But there is no such evidence."
FACT CHECKER:
According to 16 recent studies, executions save lives. For each inmate put to death, the studies say, 3 to 18 murders are prevented. The studies, performed by economists in the past decade, compare the number of executions in different jurisdictions with homicide rates over time - murder rates fall when executions rise.
The author of one such study, Professor H. Naci Mocan, Economics Chairman, University of Colorado at Denver, said, "I oppose the death penalty but my research shows that the death penalty deters - what am I going to do, hide them? Science does really draw a conclusion. It did. The results are robust, they really don't go away. The conclusion is there is a deterrent effect." Mocon's study found that each execution saves 5 lives.
Editorial says:
"There is a growing national consensus against the death penalty."
FACT CHECKER:
The C-J consistently relies on the Death Penalty Information Center (an organization which seeks to eliminate the death penalty) for statistical support of it's longstanding editorial opposition to Kentucky's death penalty. Because of the clear anti-death penalty bias of the information disseminated by the DPIC, responsible people would be well advised to question its objectivity.
In May, 2006, Gallup asked this general question: "If you could choose between the following two approaches, which do you think is the better penalty for murder: the death penalty (or) life imprisonment with absolutely no possibility of parole?" Gallup found 47% for the death penalty and 48% for life without parole. Some, including DPIC and the Louisville Courier-Journal, immediately claimed that this represented lower support for the death penalty.
However, when asked the general question in October, 2007, "Do you support capital punishment for murderers?," 69% of Americans said yes, 28% opposed (Gallup, 10/07). Furthermore, when the public is asked about real cases and real fact situations in which the death penalty is a real option, support rises to 80%.
For example:
- 81% of the American people supported the execution of Timothy McVeigh,
- 79% support the death penalty for terrorists.
Death penalty support is actually much deeper than we are often led to believe by the media. Significant percentages of those who say they generally oppose the death penalty actually support it when given specific facts and circumstances of a case which is eligible for the death penalty.
Editorial says:
"The studies show 'racial skews' in the conduct and outcome of capital cases."
FACT CHECKER:
This from the Empirical Analysis of Maryland's Death Sentencing System with Respect to the Influence of Race and Legal Jurisdiction:
"We found no evidence that the race of the defendant matters in processing of capital cases in the state (Maryland)." p. 26.
"The race of the victim does not appear to matter when the decision is to advance a case to the penalty phase or to sentence a defendant to death after a penalty phase hearing." p. 29.
This too from the Report to the New Jersey Supreme Court Systematic Proportionality Review Project 2001-2002 Term by Judge David S. Baime, retired Appellate Division Judge:
"There is no sustained, statistically significant evidence that the race of the defendant affects cases which result in the imposition of the death penalty. There is no sustained, statistically significant evidence that white victim cases are more likely than minority victim cases to result in imposition of the death penalty."
Just look at the racial make-up of Kentucky's death row.
| Total on Death Row |
38 |
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| Whites on Death Row |
30 |
79% |
| Blacks on Death Row |
7 |
18.4% |
| Hispanics on Death Row |
1 |
2.6% |
Those statistics speak for themselves.
Final thoughts:
Aren't we glad the internet permits us to research the issues editorial writers write about? What we have learned is that their opinions are simply their views on issues. Obviously, most disagree with their opinion concerning the death penalty. Thankfully, the internet also gives those of us who disagree the ability to share our own thoughts.
In the final analysis, the C-J's editorial writers are just five employees of a large for-profit media corporation who, I suspect, are paid a lot of money to write their views about issues of the day. No one objects to people expressing their opinions. After all, it is just that, their opinion.
Thanks to Dudley Sharp of Justice for All, www.jfa.net, for his knowledge about all of these issues surrounding the death penalty. |
| Cops & Robbers News |
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 Proposed Law in Massachusetts Would Bar Gangs From "Safety Zones
A new law is being pushed by the Massachusetts Legislature that would give broad authority to police and prosecutors to bring lawsuits against reputed gangs and their members, forbidding them from hanging together in neighborhoods and parks that police say they terrorize.
Editor's Comment: Similar laws have been successful crime fighting tools in Fort Worth, San Diego and Los Angeles. Of course, the civil liberties gang doesn't like the idea. They seem to forget, law-abiding citizens have some rights too. I doubt many of the complainers live in those neighborhoods or want to use those parks. That reminds me of Ronald Reagan's definition of a conservative. He said "A conservative is a liberal who was mugged last night." Except in this case it would be a member of the ACLU.
 Florida Proposed Law Would Create "Gang Registry"
Members of gangs would have to register and could be barred from parts of a town. Those laws have been passed in California, New Mexico, and Washington.
Editor's Comment: As expected, the civil liberties gang doesn't like this one either.
 New Jersey High Court: Not Helping A Person In Distress Is Not Manslaughter
Failing to get aid for someone who later dies of a drug overdose does not merit a charge of reckless manslaughter, according to a ruling of the New Jersey Supreme Court. It upheld a lower court dismissal of a reckless manslaughter charge against a man who sat by and played video games while an unconscious girl lay on the bed for 12 hours and died.
Editor's comment: What a guy!
 Highest (Wisconsin) And Lowest (Utah) States In Drunk Driving
The upper Midwest has the worst drunk driving rates in the country, with Wisconsin leading the way with an estimate that 25% of Wisconsin drivers had driven under the influence in the previous year. Rounding out the worst five are North Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska and South Dakota.
Utah had the lowest rate and was joined by West Virginia, Arkansas, Kentucky and North Carolina.
Editor's comment: Hey! Let's hear it for Kentucky.
 U.S. Supreme Court Turns Down 11 Death Row Appeals
11 death penalty appeals were turned by the U.S. Supreme Court last week, including one by a person who killed his adoptive parents and continued to live in the house as their bodies decomposed. He did clean up the scene, however, so he could host a party for his friends.
The other cases which were turned down were from Georgia (3), Ohio (3), Mississippi, Alabama, Missouri, Arizona and Texas.
Editor's comment: With the Supreme Court ruling in the Baze and Bowling cases, I suspect that states will begin to carry out death sentences which were put on hold awaiting the decision about lethal injection. I know Virginia and Texas are moving ahead.
 Remember The B.T.K. Killer From Wichita, Kansas?
He was the serial murderer who terrorized the residents of Wichita for years. Investigators were able to match DNA evidence of the killer left at a crime scene by analyzing the DNA of a relative. "Privacy advocates" are up in arms. They claim that using the DNA of a relative to identify a criminal would turn relatives into "genetic informants."
Experts say that they could increase by 40% the number of crimes solved through the use of DNA.
Editor's comment: Identifying criminals and solving crimes are critical to the credibility of our criminal justice system. If we have scientific evidence that can help us solve crimes, we should be able to use it.
 Missouri Governor Wants Child Rapists To Be Eligible For The Death Penalty
Missouri Governor Matt Blunt called on the Missouri Legislature to make those who forcibly rape or sodomize children under the age of 12 to be eligible for the death penalty.
Editor's comment: Good for him! Kentucky's prosecutors have been pushing for that same law in our state for years. Fat chance! Every recent session of the Legislature, Louisville Representatives Marylou Marzian, Jim Wayne, and Tom Burch file a bill to abolish the death penalty in Kentucky. Of course, a large majority of our citizens believe that jurors should have the right to decide whether in aggravated murder cases a defendant should be sentenced to death.
 Want To Know Why Elections Matter? Because Judges Are Appointed By The President, That's Why!
Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens voted to restore capital punishment in 1976. In the recent lethal injection decision, he stated in his dissent that he relied on his "own experience" in reaching his decision to oppose capital punishment in all instances.
Editor's comment: Cal Thomas said it best in his recent column entitled "A matter of Life and Death." Stevens' words "sums up the tension between those who believe in what the Constitution says, and those who believe in their own feelings and what they think the Constitution should say." |
| Meet Lexington's Felony Prosecutors |
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Elizabeth H. Davis |
Elizabeth H. Davis was born in Ashland, Kentucky. She graduated from Sweet Briar College in Virginia with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and Spanish and received her law degree from the University of Kentucky College of Law. She and husband James Davis are expecting their first child in July.
After interning at the Fayette Commonwealth's Attorney's Office during law school, Elizabeth joined the staff as a prosecutor in 2004. Her area of special interest in the office is the prosecution of child sexual abuse, specifically those cases in which children are targeted on the internet.
Elizabeth is a member of the Safe Child Task Force, which is a group that includes representatives from the Lexington Police Department, United States' Attorney's Office, FBI, Secret Service, Postal Inspector, Fayette County Sheriff, state and federal probation and parole offices, and the Kentucky State Police. The task force meets once a month to discuss pending cases and to make decisions regarding case evaluation and prosecution. In addition, Elizabeth meets bi-weekly with the Child Sexual Abuse Multidisciplinary Team at the Children's Advocacy Center. After receiving specialized training in prosecuting child exploitation on the internet at the National Advocacy Center in Columbia, South Carolina, Elizabeth coordinated with the United States' Attorney's Office on a presentation at the Kids Are Worth It! Conference in 2007 sponsored by Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky. |
| Death Row Inmate Of The Week |
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What did this killer do to convince a jury to sentence him to death?
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Randy Haight
33 at the time
Male, White |
Randy Haight escaped from the Johnson County Jail in 1985. He was there while awaiting trials in three counties. He stole guns and several cars; shot at a Kentucky State Police Trooper, and caused another police officer's death in a gunfight. He executed a young couple while they were inside their car. He shot the man in the face, chest, shoulder, and back of head and shot the woman in the shoulder, temple, back of head, and through the eye.
Haight spent all but two of his 15 adult years in four Ohio, three Virginia, and four Kentucky prisons.
Haight was sentenced to Death on March 22, 1994.
That's what he did. He sentenced himself to death. |
| Recent Court Case |
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This Repeat Offender Breaks Into Cars And Uses Credit Cards Stolen From Those Vehicles
His criminal record includes:
10 prior felonies,
11 prior misdemeanors.
He was probated every time,
thrown out of drug treatment,
and was caught again breaking into cars.
FINALLY, he's sent to prison for 12 years.
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|
Christopher Brown |
In September of 2006 Christopher A. Brown was arrested by the Lexington Police Department in connection with a large number of Larceny from Auto (LFA) crimes. Brown was a member of a group of criminals that targeted the parking lots of area gyms; they would break into the vehicles because purses, wallets, checkbooks, and other valuables were often left inside by the victims rather than carried into the building. Detectives identified Brown and others using the stolen credit cards at area merchants and pawning property stolen from the cars.
Brown pled guilty to Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card, Receiving Stolen Property, Theft by Unlawful Taking, and Persistent Felony Offender and was sentenced in May of 2007 to 13 years, probated for five years. Restitution in the case was set at more than $6,500 for damage to the vehicles and stolen property. Brown was directed to complete drug rehabilitation and released from custody.
In July of 2007 police again began to take numerous reports of LFA's at area gyms. Investigation revealed that Brown was once again using credit cards stolen in these crimes and he was arrested. Brown pled guilty to Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card, Forgery, and Persistent Felony Offender and was sentenced to serve 12 years in prison.
Court documents reveal that Brown is 29 years old and now has a total of ten felony and eleven misdemeanor convictions, nearly all of which involve Theft, Receiving Stolen Property, or other property crimes. He has failed probation on three prior occasions, and was terminated from a court-ordered drug treatment program. He will be eligible for parole after serving 20% of his total sentence.
Article written by Intern Kelly Tate
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| Immigration Update |
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| The Prosecution Of Illegal Aliens Who Commit Felonies In Lexington
 The Office of the Fayette Commonwealth's Attorney prosecutes felonies which occur in Lexington. Our office reviews the cases of felons to determine whether there is reason to question the immigration status of that defendant.
If there is a question, the name of that defendant is emailed to I.C.E. (Immigration & Customs Enforcement) for an immigration status determination. If they determine that the defendant is in this country illegally, we ask them to lodge a detainer against them, so when they complete their sentence, if convicted, they will be deported instead of released back onto our streets.
Since November, 2007, 56 felons have been referred to I.C.E. 55 of those defendants have had detainers lodged. They have been charged with the following crimes:
| Drug Trafficking |
23 |
| Assault |
3 |
| Rape |
3 |
| Robbery |
2 |
| Burglary |
3 |
| Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument/Resident Alien Card |
12 |
| Theft of ID |
5 |
| Tampering with Physical Evidence |
1 |
| Use of a Minor in a Sexual Performance |
1 |
| Complicity to Murder |
1 |
| Intimidating a Witness |
1 |
| Promoting Contraband into Jail |
1 |
Commonwealth's Attorney Ray Larson says he intends to prosecute people who commit felonies in Lexington. The consequences for illegal aliens who commit felonies can, and should, include deportation. |
| Information Center |
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To see the latest Grand Jury returns, including Indictments, Dismissals, and cases Returned to District Court, click on the dates below:
The Fayette Commonwealth's Attorney's Office Criminal Trial Schedule is updated each Monday. To see our trial schedule, click here. |
| Fayette Circuit Court Sentencings
Friday, April 25, 2008 |
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| 3rd Division- Judge James Ishmael | |
| COOPER, Jerry Lynn
Age: 50 |
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| Sentenced to 1 year in prison for Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration, probated 5 years. | |
| HAMILTON, John W.
Age: 24 |
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| Sentenced to 1 year in prison for Bail Jumping. In a separate case, sentenced to 5 years in prison for the prosecution's amended charge of 2nd Degree Burglary. Sentences are to run consecutive for a total of 6 years in prison. Sent to prison. | |
| HARRIS, Paul Lee
Age: 33 |
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| Sentenced to 10 years in prison for 2nd Degree Burglary, 5 years in prison for another count of 2nd Degree Burglary, 1 year in prison for Receiving Stolen Property > $300, and 90 days in jail for 2nd Degree Criminal Trespassing. Sentences are to run concurrent for a total of 10 years in prison. Sent to prison. | |
| 4th Division - Judge Pamela Goodwine | |
| BOND, Brian Keith
Age: 26 |
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| REPEAT OFFENDER. Sentenced to 1 year in prison enhanced to 5 years for Theft By Deception > $300 and status as a Persistent Felony Offender, 12 months in jail for each of 2 counts of the prosecution's amended charge of Theft By Deception < $300, 12 months in jail for the prosecution's amended charge of Fraudulent Use of Credit Cards < $100, and 12 months in jail for the prosecution's amended charge of 2nd Degree Bail Jumping. Sentences are to run concurrent for a total of 5 years in prison. Required to pay restitution of $8,562.05. Sent to prison. | |
| GUNNELL, Jody Wayne
Age: 32 |
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| Sentenced to 7 years in prison for 1st Degree Criminal Abuse of a Child 12 Years of Age or Under, probated 5 years. | |
| HAYES, Artea Shanelle
Age: 24 |
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| Sentenced to 1 year in prison for Theft By Deception > $300 and 12 months in jail for the prosecution's amended charge of 2nd Degree Bail Jumping, probated 3 years. Required to pay restitution of $1,707.66. | |
| RICE, Jerome
Age: 34 |
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| Sentenced to 1 year in prison for each of 2 counts of Flagrant Non-Support. Sentences are to run consecutive for a total of 2 years in prison, probated 5 years. Required to pay restitution of $13,401.71. | |
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| 7th Division - Judge Sheila R. Isaac | |
| CUNIGAN, Deborah Ann
Age: 38 |
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| Sentenced to 5 years in prison for the prosecution's amended charge of 2nd Degree Robbery, 1 year in prison for 1st Degree Fleeing or Evading the Police, 1 year in prison for 1st Degree Wanton Endangerment, 12 months in jail for Use/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, 12 months in jail for Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon, and 90 days in jail for Operating a Vehicle with Expired Operator's License. Sentences are to run concurrent for a total of 5 years in prison. Sent to prison. | |
| DENISON, Chad Blane
Age: 21 |
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| Sentenced to 6 years in prison for the prosecution's amended charge of 2nd Degree Robbery. Required to pay restitution of $4,933. Sent to prison. | |
| HERNANDEZ, Cesar Hernandez
Age: 37 |
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| ILLEGAL ALIEN. Sentenced to 5 years in prison for 1st Degree Trafficking in a Controlled Substance and 12 months in jail for Use/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Sent to prison. | |
| MORA, Kelly Lee
Age: 33 |
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| Sentenced to 1 year in prison for each of 3 counts of Fraudulent Insurance Acts > $300. Each sentence is to run consecutive for a total of 3 years in prison, probated 5 years. Required to pay restitution of $12,305.04. | |
| PATRICK, Gloria Cornett
Age: 35 |
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| Sentenced to 18 months in prison for 2nd Degree Trafficking in a Controlled Substance, probated 3 years. | |
| PEARSON, Buford Turner
Age: 39 |
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| Sentenced to 1 year in prison for Flagrant Non-Support, probated 5 years. | |
| SMITH, Eugene Curtis
Age: 34 |
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| Sentenced to a $500 fine for the prosecution's amended charge of Criminal Attempt Fraudulent Use of Credit Cards < $100. | |
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| 8th Division - Judge Thomas L. Clark | |
| BRANUM, Christopher Derrick
Age: 23 |
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| Sentenced to 10 years in prison for 1st Degree Robbery. Required to pay restitution of $545. Sent to prison. | |
| BURCHELL, Chad Anthony
Age: 21 |
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| Sentenced to 5 years in prison for the prosecution's amended charge of 2nd Degree Burglary, probated 5 years. Required to serve 6 months in jail. | |
| DOUGLAS, Maurice Leron
Age: 24 |
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| Sentenced to 10 years in prison for the prosecution's amended charge of 2nd Degree Robbery and 5 years in prison for another charge of the prosecution's amended charge of 2nd Degree Robbery. Sentences are to run consecutive for a total of 15 years in prison. Required to pay restitution of $3,045.82. Sent to prison. | |
| HERNANDEZ, Alejandro
Age: 30 |
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| ILLEGAL ALIEN. Sentenced to 1 year in prison for 2nd Degree Possession of a Forged Instrument, a $250 fine for No Operator's License, and a $50 fine for Careless Driving, probated 2 years. | |
| JONES, Gary Wayne
Age: 29 |
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| Sentenced to 1 year in prison for Theft By Unlawful Taking > $300, probated 3 years. | |
| PENNIE, Ramon Franklin
Age: 38 |
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| Sentenced to 4 years in prison for Flagrant Non-Support, probated 5 years. | |
| SCOTT, Alphonso
Age: 42 |
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| Sentenced to 1 year in prison for Operating a Motor Vehicle Under/Influence of Alcohol/Drugs 4th or > Offense, probated 4 years. License is to be suspended for 5 years and required to pay a $500 fine. | |
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| 9th Division - Judge Kimberly Bunnell | |
| CAULDER, Ivan Eugene
Age: 20 |
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| Sentenced to 12 months in jail for each of 2 counts of the prosecution's amended charge of 4th Degree Assault. Required to pay restitution of $321.97. Sent to jail. | |
| JAMES, Antoine Q.
Age: 20 |
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| Sentenced to 3 years in prison for 1st Degree Fleeing or Evading the Police, 12 months in jail for 1st Degree Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, 12 months in jail for 2nd Degree Fleeing or Evading the Police, and 90 days in jail for Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon. Sentences are to run concurrent for a total of 3 years in prison. Sent to prison. | |
| MARTIN, Chasity Hope
Age: 33 |
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| Sentenced to 2 years in prison for 1st Degree Possession of a Controlled Substance and 12 months in jail for the prosecution's amended charge of 2nd Degree Bail Jumping. In a separate case, sentenced to 1 year in prison for the prosecution's amended charge of 3rd Degree Burglary. Sentences are to run consecutive for a total of 3 years in prison, probated 5 years. | |
| MCGHEE, Robert Laveal
Age: 24 |
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| Sentenced to 6 months in jail for the prosecution's amended charge of False Name/Address and 6 months in jail for each of 2 counts of 3rd Degree Terroristic Threatening. Sent to jail. | |
| MOUSSA, Hamdulla
Age: 62 |
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| Sentenced to 180 days in jail for the prosecution's amended charge of Counterfeit Intellectual Property < $1,000, probated 2 years. | |
| YOUNGER, Valerie L.
Age: 31 |
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| Sentenced to 3 years in prison for the prosecution's amended charge of Facilitation to Commit Robbery 1st Degree, probated 5 years. | | | |
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Fayette Commonwealth's Attorney
