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Forensic Friday
Every other Friday 9 am
WVLK 590 AM |
| Officer Don's Crime Prevention Tip |
Elevator Safety
Many people are fearful of riding on elevators. The concern is that the elevator will somehow malfunction. However, that seldom occurs.
Here are some common-sense safety tips about elevator usage:
Always look in the elevator before entering;
Always stand near the controls;
Get off if someone suspicious enters;
If you are concerned about someone who is waiting for the elevator with you, pretend you forgot something and don't get on;
If you are attacked, hit the alarm and as many floor buttons as you can. |
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TOP STORIES
"Crime-Fighting -- The Real Deal": Internship Reality Series Begins
Ray the D.A. kicks off intern reality series. Weekly updates of summer interns' day-to-day experiences from the front-lines of the war on crime. 2008 Summer Prosecutorial Internship Program begins. "The Real Deal" -- Episode 1
Our first day on the front lines of the war on crime. "The Real Deal" -- Episode 2
"In Touch" with Officer Don.
Crime-Fighters' Sharp Eye Out Department - Part II
Legislature creates a panel to "study" Kentucky's criminal laws. They seem to believe that our present penal code is responsible for prison and jail overcrowding, not the criminals.
Cops & Robbers News From Across America
Criminal justice news and trends from around the country.
Meet Lexington's Felony Prosecutors
Shawna Virgin, a talented trial lawyer.
Death Row Inmate Of The Week
This killer shot his estranged wife while her infant granddaughter was in the home at the time.
Next On American D.A. - LIVE
The Pamela Smart murder case. Information Center
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. |
| "Crime-Fighting -- The Real Deal"
Internship Reality Series Begins |
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Ray the D.A. Kicks Off Intern Reality Series
"Crime-Fighting -- The Real Deal"
Weekly updates of summer interns' day-to-day experiences from the front-lines of the war on crime.
2008 Summer Prosecutorial Internship Program begins.
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Left to right, Jeff Caudill, Andolyn Johnson, Hannah Hodges, Stephanie Tew, Daniel Whitley and Sharletta Mahone. Missing from picture - Danielle Yannelli. |
Seven bright young law and undergrad students began the Fayette Commonwealth's Attorney's Office's 9th Summer Prosecutorial Internship Program this week. The intensive 10-week program gives students invaluable insight into the workings of the criminal justice system.
During the summer they will work closely with prosecutors on all stages of felony prosecutions, including legal research, drafting motions, responses and indictments, collecting and organizing evidence for use in trial, discussing trial strategy and assisting during trials.
In addition, the internship will provide the interns the opportunity to tour and observe many sites and operations that are central to criminal investigations, and to work with other law enforcement agencies. |
| "The Real Deal" -- Episode 1 |
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Our First Day On The Front Lines Of The War On Crime
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The interns met with Assistant Commonwealth's Attorneys Elizabeth Davis and Erin Hayne, the Intern Coordinators. | Cold, heartless, cruel, and unfair are words often used by my peers to describe the prosecutors at the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office. As I walked to the office to begin my first day as an intern, I thought I was going to work with stiff, short-tempered prosecutors. Yet, I found out quickly as I entered their daily briefings in the conference room, my peers' description was totally wrong.
The prosecutors we met were thoughtful and compassionate. As they briefed the current cases, I was impressed with what I saw and heard and was really excited to have the opportunity to work in the Fayette Commonwealth's Attorneys' Office. I am pretty sure that my fellow interns felt the same.
There are seven of us in this summer's internship program: four law students and three undergraduates. I, Daniel Whitley, will begin my second year at Florida A & M Law School, Stephanie Tew will be a third-year law student at Chase Law School in Northern Kentucky, Hannah Hodges and Sharletta Mahone will begin their second year at the University of Kentucky College of Law, and Andolyn Johnson and Jeff Caudill will be seniors at the University of Kentucky this fall. Danielle Yannelli, a student at Campbellsville University, is in Ireland competing with her college soccer team and will join us next week.
My first-hand experience of seeing a prosecutor on the job was with Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Elizabeth Davis. She reviewed a case with a narcotics detective as they prepared for a hearing to suppress drugs obtained by a search warrant. We learned how detectives gather evidence in order to obtain a search warrant. We also were able to see what an actual warrant entails, as well as the process by which officers execute search warrants. After this experience, I realized how hard prosecutors have to work to prepare to prosecute cases which help provide our communities with a safe environment.
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The interns met with Judge Bunnell after the suppression hearing. | After witnessing Mrs. Davis' preparation for the suppression hearing, we all went to the courtroom and witnessed the actual hearing. Mrs. Davis was fully prepared. I learned earlier in the day that no one in the Commonwealth's Attorneys' Office has a secretary. Each prosecutor does their own typing on their computer. This allows prosecutors to have a better understanding of their case.
While it was sad to watch the defendant, a pregnant woman, charged with trafficking in cocaine, Mrs. Davis did her job respectfully; she was calm and fair with her. She presented her case thoroughly without disrespecting the defendant in the process. It was clear that the defendant understood that she broke the law and that the prosecutor was only doing her job, which is to prosecute criminals, protect victims, and seek justice in the process.
To wrap up our first day on the job, we had the opportunity to meet the entire staff and receive a description of their responsibilities as prosecutors and support personnel. My first day as an intern in the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office dispelled all my negative stereotypes. I am excited not only because I have the opportunity to work with these individuals, but that our community has such excellent people working to help deal with those who choose to violate the law.
 Article by Intern Daniel Whitley. |
| "The Real Deal" -- Episode 2 |
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"In Touch" With Officer Don
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Andolyn and Officer Don at WLAP. | As a new intern, I hardly knew what to expect when Ray invited me to go to the radio station on my second day. Ray does a weekly radio show with Officer Don Evans called "In Touch" on WLAP 630 AM. I recognized Officer Don from his daily traffic reports for commuters.
Officer Don's unique attire included a jumpsuit with handcuffs and gun holsters. Obviously, he was not just a traffic reporter. I found out he is a detective for the Fayette County Police Department's Robbery and Crime Homicide Unit. He had been up almost all night flying a helicopter and looking for a suspect.
The radio show is basically 15 minutes for Ray and Officer Don to discuss almost anything involving crime in the area. During the first few minutes, Ray talked about the new internship program and asked me a few questions about my experience so far. It was my first time talking on the radio. Next, Ray and Officer Don discussed the use of helicopters by the Fayette County Police Department when tracking suspects. Even more amusing was Ray's special thanks to the drug dealers of Fayette County for providing the money to buy equipment for these types of pursuits. Money made from drug deals is confiscated when the traffickers are caught and then used to further the advances in technology needed to catch more criminals.
The show also addressed some listeners' concerns about what actions to take when they have suspicions of criminal activity. Ray and Officer Don urged people to look for warning signs, involve the police and give any information that could be relevant to an incident.
My first radio experience, although unexpected, was a lesson in more than just helicopter rides and drug dealers. It offered insight into the public relations aspect of this job that I had not previously considered. Currently I am a student at the University of Kentucky, majoring in public relations. I was surprised to experience firsthand the workings of PR in my law internship. The relationship a prosecuting attorney has with the public he/she serves in an important aspect of the job. I am looking forward to future radio broadcasts and hopefully a ride in a helicopter with Officer Don.
 Article by Intern Andolyn Johnson. |
 Crime-Fighters' Sharp Eye Out Department - Part II |
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Legislature Creates A Panel To "Study" Kentucky's Criminal Laws
They seem to believe that our present penal code is responsible for prison and jail overcrowding, not the criminals.
A Joint Resolution passed by the Kentucky Legislature created a "Penal Code Study Subcommittee."
Why?
Apparently our state Senators and Representatives believe that our criminal laws, not the criminals, are responsible for "prison and jail overcrowding." As a result, they want it "updated, reinvented, redrafted, and modernized." Given the language of the Joint Resolution, that can only mean - make our criminal laws softer on crime.
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Rep. Kathy Stein |
Sen. Robert Stivers |
The Chairs of the House (Rep. Kathy Stein) and Senate (Sen. Robert Stivers) Judiciary Committees are to appoint the members of the Penal Code Study Subcommittee. The membership of this group will be important to the safety of all Kentuckians.
Citizens look to our government to do all that it can to guarantee our safety. Keeping repeat and dangerous offenders in prison is critical to achieving that goal.
We will have to keep a sharp eye on this group. What they do will affect us all. |
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Cops & Robbers News From Across America |
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| Economic Indicator: Need For Cash Causes Increase In Crime Tips
 Add this to the list of economic indicators: crime tips. The number of tips to police from people hoping to collect reward money is up over 30% in Florida. Crime Stoppers in San Antonio has experienced a 44% increase.
Editor's Comment: When the economy gets tough, people have to be creative. Hopefully, helping fight crime will become a habit for these people and not just a one-time thing.
Release Of Double Murderer Stirs Fury At Oregon Parole System
 Double-killer Raymond Roy walked out of the Oregon State Penitentiary, freed after 24 years in prison for killing his brother and sister-in-law. Family members say "it's a travesty of justice" and that Roy is a calculating killer.
Editor's Comment: The travesty is that parole boards determine a criminal sentence. Not judges, not juries - parole boards!
New Iowa Law Targets Spectators At Dog-Fights
 Those who attend and bet on illegal animal fights could now face tougher penalties in Iowa. On their second offense, spectators, as well as those who bet on dog-fights, can be charged with felonies.
Editor's Comment: Good for Iowa. Dog fights are disgusting and there should be penalties for this kind of cruelty.
Louisiana Law To Punish Anyone Who Provides Ammo To A Convicted Felon
 Individuals who provide ammunition to convicted felons can be sent to prison for up to 5 years in Louisiana. The proposed law is designed to make it a crime for those who help felons, who cannot legally own or possess weapons, obtain ammunition.
Editor's Comment: In Kentucky, a convicted felon and an illegal alien are prohibited from possessing firearms. It's a good law and that's the way it ought to be.
Oklahoma Senator Pushes "Social Host" Law
 An Oklahoma Senator is pushing a proposed law which would strengthen the law on adults supplying beer and alcohol on their property to minors. Known as the "social host" bill, it is designed to combat the growing epidemic of adults providing minors with alcohol.
Editor's Comment: Underage drinking is one of the serious problems our children face. Too many find themselves in trouble because of their use of alcohol.
Youth Anti-Violence Program Plan Proposed For Illinois
 24 Chicago public school students were murdered this past school year. In response, Illinois has proposed a $150 million anti-violence initiative that would provide more teen jobs, after-school programs, and community grants in high crime areas.
Editor's Comment: Once again, parents send their children to school to learn, not to dodge bullets and be involved in hand-to-hand comment.
Rhode Island Law Would Erase Some Criminal Records
 A bill that would run a "giant eraser" through Rhode Island criminal records books is proposed. The law would expunge the records of all crimes that resulted in a "deferred sentence" (probated) at the end of the deferral or probation period, no matter how serious the offense or the history of the offender.
Editor's Comment: Good grief! It appears that the inmates are running the asylum in Rhode Island. Hopefully some good judgment might prevail here. |
| Meet Lexington's Felony Prosecutors |
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Shawna L. Virgin |
Shawna L. Virgin is a native of Greenup County, Kentucky. She graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in Psychology. She also obtained her law degree from the University of Kentucky in 2000.
Shawna worked in the Fayette Commonwealth's Attorney's Office from 2000 - 2003 before going to work as an Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney in the 14th Judicial Circuit, where she worked from 2003 until August of 2006. She rejoined the staff of the Fayette Commonwealth's Attorney's Office in September of 2006. "Because of her talent as a trial lawyer, Shawna is called on to prosecute many of our high profile and complicated cases," says Ray Larson. |
| 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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James Hunt
56 at the time
Male, White | James Hunt shot his estranged wife in Floyd County in 2004. When the officers arrived at the scene following a 911 call, they found the victim with bullet wounds to the arms, cheek area, and between the bridge of her nose and left eye. Her infant granddaughter was also in the home at the time. The victim was pronounced dead at the residence. Investigation revealed that Hunt had forced entry, shot his estranged wife with a .357 handgun, and then fled the scene. He was involved in a one-vehicle accident approximately 200 feet from the residence, at which time he was apprehended and arrested.
Hunt was sentenced to Death on July 28, 2006.
That's what he did. He sentenced himself to death. |
| Next On American D.A. - LIVE |
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| The Pamela Smart Murder Case
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Prosecutor Paul Maggiotto |
Defendant Pamela Smart |
Gregg Smart was murdered by William Flynn with the help of two friends on May 1, 1990. Flynn was the 15-year-old lover of Pamela Smart, Gregg's wife. Her involvement as an accomplice led to one of the most shocking cases of female teacher relationships with underage boys.
Pamela Smart and William Flynn began an affair after meeting at a school program called "Project Self-Esteem." After several weeks of planning, Flynn and friends staged a robbery and shot Gregg Smart at his home. Pamela Smart was accused of threatening to leave Flynn unless he killed her husband.
Pamela Smart was convicted in May, 1991 for Conspiracy to Commit Murder, Accomplice to First-Degree Murder and Witness Tampering. She is currently serving a life sentence at the Bedford Hill Correctional Facility for Women in New York. Smart's conviction was due to the testimony of her conspirators and taped conversations of her knowledge of Flynn's plan. William Flynn was tried as an adult and sentenced to 40 years in prison. His two friends were both convicted as well. Vance Lattime, Jr. received 30 years in prison, and Patrick Randall was sentenced to 40 years.
Paul Maggiotto prosecuted all those involved in the Gregg Smart murder case. He was a prosecutor for over nine years in Brooklyn, New York and Concord, New Hampshire. He now specializes in litigation, especially areas of criminal defense, personal injury, family law and general civil litigation at his firm, Maggiotto & Belobrow, PLLC.
Listen as Ray Larson discusses the Pamela Smart case with Paul Maggiotto on American D.A. - Live on WVLK 590 AM on Friday, May 30, 2008.
Article by Intern Andolyn Johnson. |
| 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, May 16, 2008 and Monday, May 19, 2008 |
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| 3rd Division - Judge James Ishmael | |
| BAILEY, Jason Lee
Age: 26 |
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| Sentenced to 5 years in prison for 2nd degree Forgery and 12 months in jail for each of 21 counts of the prosecution's amended charge of Criminal Attempt 2nd degree Forgery, to run concurrently for a total of 5 years, probated for 5 years and ordered to pay $5,500.00 in restitution. | |
| BLACK, John W.
Age: 49 |
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| REPEAT OFFENDER. Sentenced to 10 years in prison for 1st degree Possession of a Controlled Substance and status as a Persistent Felony Offender. Sent to prison. | |
| DUNN, Paul
Age: 47 |
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| REPEAT OFFENDER. Sentenced to 40 years in prison for 1st degree Robbery and status as a Persistent Felony Offender and 12 months in jail for 2nd degree Fleeing or Evading Police, to run concurrently for a total of 40 years. Sent to prison. | |
| LEWIS, Autumn Nicole
Age: 19 |
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| Sentenced to 1 year in prison for 1st degree Possession of a Controlled Substance. Sent to prison. | |
| MALAIS, Gregory Alan
Age: 50 |
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| Sentenced to 1 year in prison for Flagrant Non Support, probated for 5 years. | |
| STIDHAM, John Gregory
Age: 31 |
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| REPEAT OFFENDER. Sentenced to 10 years in prison for the prosecution's amended charge of 1st degree Possession of a Controlled Substance and status as a Persistent Felony Offender. Sent to prison. | |
| STIDHAM, Sharon K.
Age: 34 |
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| Sentenced to 1 year in prison for Trafficking in a Controlled Substance within 1,000 yards of a School and 12 months in jail for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia 1st Offense, probated for 3 years. | |
| GRAY, Charles Tommie
Age: 36 |
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| Sentenced to 1 year in prison for the prosecution's amended charge of 1st degree Possession of a Controlled Substance. In a separate case, the defendant was sentenced to serve 12 months in jail for the prosecution's amended charge of Criminal Attempt 1st degree Possession of a Controlled Substance. Sent to prison. | |
| 4th Division - Judge Pamela Goodwine | |
| CRUTCHER, Anthony Wayne Jr.
Age: 19 |
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| Sentenced to 12 months in jail for the prosecution's amended charge of Criminal Attempt Conspiracy to 1st degree Trafficking in a Controlled Substance, 12 months in jail for the prosecution's amended charge of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia 1st Offense, 12 months in jail for Possession of Marijuana and 12 months in jail for the prosecution's amended charge of Criminal Attempt Theft of Identity, to run concurrently for a total of 12 months in jail. Sent to jail. | |
| HAYS, Thomas Allen
Age: 44 |
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| Sentenced to 12 months in jail for the prosecution's amended charge of 4th degree Assault, probated for 2 years. | |
| KIGER, Aldonica Lea
Age: 34 |
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| Sentenced to 12 months in jail for the prosecution's amended charge of 4th degree Assault, probated for 2 years. | |
| LOWE, Jonathan David
Age: 27 |
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| Sentenced to 12 months in jail for each of the prosecution's amended charge of 2 counts of Criminal Attempt to Possession of a Controlled Substance 1st Offense, to run concurrently, for a total of 12 months in jail, probated 2 years. | |
| 7th Division - Judge Sheila Isaac | |
| CRUZ, Joel Asornio
Age: 23 |
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| ILLEGAL ALIEN. Sentenced to 5 years in prison for 2nd degree Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, 12 months in jail for the prosecution's amended charge of Criminal Attempt 2nd degree Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, to run concurrently for a total of 5 years, conditionally discharged for 3 years. Released to IMMIGRATION, CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT (ICE). | |
| THOMAS, Jerod Mitchell
Age: 39 |
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| Sentenced to 1 year in prison for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia 2nd or > Offense and 12 months in jail for the prosecution's amended charge of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 1st Offense, to run concurrently for a total of 1 year. In a separate case, the defendant was sentenced to 1 year in prison for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, to run consecutively with other charges for a total of 2 years, probated for 5 years. | |
| 8th Division - Judge Thomas L. Clark | |
| MELLO, Joseph C.
Age: 48 |
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| Sentenced to 5 years in prison for the prosecution's amended charge of 1st Degree Possession of a Controlled Substance, 1 year in prison for 1st Degree Possession of a Controlled Substance, and 12 months in jail for Use/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. First two counts are to run consecutive, for a total of 6 years in prison, probated for 4 years. | |
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| 9th Division - Judge Kimberly Bunnell | |
| CHURCH, Jeremy Allen
Age: 31 |
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| Sentenced to 5 years in prison for 1st degree Trafficking in a Controlled Substance, probated for 5 years. | |
| FOGLE, Marcella Monique
Age: 29 |
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| Sentenced to 1 year in prison for 2nd degree Escape. Sent to prison. | |
| GREEN, Lanny Burnette
Age: 46 |
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| Sentenced to 1 year in prison each for two counts of Fraudulent Use of Credit Cards > $100 within a 6-Month period, to run consecutively for a total of 2 years in prison, 30 days in jail for Operating on a Suspended/Revoked Operators License, to run concurrently, probated for 5 years. | |
| HART, Lashelle Renee
Age: 20 |
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| Sentenced to 12 months in jail for each of 3 counts of the prosecution's amended charge of Theft By Unlawful Taking <$300, to run concurrently for a total of 12 months in jail, probated for 2 years and ordered to pay $1,110.56 in restitution. | |
| LAMB, Garrett Wayne Jr.
Age: 22 |
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| Sentenced to 1 year in prison for 1st degree Wanton Endangerment. In a separate case, the defendant was sentenced to 12 months in jail for the prosecution's amended charge of Receiving Stolen Property <$300. The sentences are to run consecutive, for a total of 2 years in prison, probated for 5 years. | |
| PAYTON, Norene Lavelle
Age: 44 |
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| Sentenced to 2 years in prison for Theft By Unlawful Taking >$300. Sent to Prison. | |
| WEBB, Charleston Louis
Age: 25 |
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| Sentenced to 1 year in prison for Trafficking in Marijuana, 8 oz. to <5 lbs. 1st Offense, and 12 months in jail for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia 1st Offense, to run concurrently for a total of 1 year in prison, probated 5 years. | |
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