| Criminal Justice News |
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Every Thursday -- check WKYT.com for the latest "A Message from Ray the D.A."
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Forensic Friday
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WVLK 590 AM |
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Officer Don's Crime Prevention Tip |
Safely Use Wireless Hotspots (WI-FI)
WI-FI Hotspots are everywhere these days, from airports to coffee shops. WI-FI opens the world to your laptop or PDA, but it also gives the world access to those devices. Unscrupulous types with pretty basic technology - a laptop and some fairly simple software - can detect and record your laptop's signal, as well as usernames, passwords, and other information you would rather keep private.
Here are some ways to secure your laptop against unwanted intrusions:
Use a firewall - Make sure your laptop has up-to-date anti-virus software and a personal firewall;
Use a Virtual Private Network - If you work regularly with a particular client or employer, use a password-protected Virtual Private Network (VPN) that no one else can access;
Disable file and printer sharing - File and printer sharing is a feature that enables other computers on a network to access resources on your computer. When enabled, it leaves your computer vulnerable to hackers;
Encrypt your files - You can protect your files further by encrypting them, which requires a password to open or modify them. Because you must perform this procedure on one file at a time, consider password-protecting only the files that you plan to use while working in a public place.
A few simple precautions can help make working in public places more secure. And by selecting the best connections and adjusting settings, you can enjoy productive and safe work sessions no matter where you are.
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| Sheriff Kathy Witt |
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Fugitives Wanted by the Fayette County Sheriff's Office
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WANTED |
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Marvin Jason Jones |
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Burglary 2nd |
DOB: 03/14/1979
Race: Black
Sex: Male
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 225
Hair: Black
Eyes: Brown |
Click here to see who is wanted by the Fayette County Sheriff's Office. |
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TOP STORIES
Victim's Voice
Elected officials take note! Not everyone agrees that "Property Criminals" should not go to jail. The Crime-Fighter's Fact Checker
Public Defenders only represented 53.6% of the cases they claimed - according to AOC's 2007 Circuit Court case report.
Death Penalty News
Kentucky's never-ending death penalty appeal process is shameful - One death row inmate's appeal has taken 28 years so far, and it is only two-third's of the way through.
Court News
District Judge Election Round-Up - "We're just glad Kimberly's back!," says Ray Larson.
Media Watch
Top criminal justice stories from across America. Meet Kentucky's Felony Prosecutors Laura Donnell, Commonwealth's Attorney for Anderson, Shelby and Spencer Counties.
Recent Court Case
"She fought the law and the law won," - Brawl with security and police returns shoplifter to prison.
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.
Who is on Home Incarceration in Lexington?
Convicted criminals in the Home Incarceration Program (HIP) in Lexington. Last Week's Circuit Court Sentencings
Who went to prison and who was probated. |
| Victim's Voice |
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Elected Officials Take Note!
Not everyone agrees that "Property Criminals" should not go to jail.
 Just because tenured professors and editorial writers at giant for-profit media corporations think we have too many people in jail and prison, doesn't mean that everyone else agrees. After all, most of those people live in high-priced, low crime neighborhoods that aren't bothered much by daily crime.
Well, here's a man who is fed up with the "coward" who stole his utility trailer right out of his yard. From the tone of this sign, it appears that the victim would love to get his hands on the slug who took it. One worries that if the law doesn't deal with these bums as it should, victims will turn elsewhere for justice.
It appears that the people who are in elected office will be watched by the citizens, and will be held accountable for how they treat the citizens who work hard, play by the rules, and expect government to do what it is supposed to do - that is, to punish people who break the law.
Editor's Comment: I don't recall tenured professors and editorial writers being on the ballot. They just seem to sit on the sideline and tell everyone else how to do their job. Come to think of it, maybe they should be on the ballot. |
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The Crime-Fighter's Fact-Checker |
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 Public Defenders Only Represented 53.6% Of The Cases They Claimed
According to AOC's 2007 Circuit Court case report.
As previously reported, the Department of Public Advocacy (DPA) claimed to have represented 33,316 indigent defendants in Kentucky's Circuit Courts in 2007. We reported previously that, according to AOC, only 31,568 cases were even opened in 2007. Somehow DPA claims they represented 1,748 more cases in Circuit Court than existed.
| Total AOC Circuit Court Criminal Cases in 2007: |
31,568 |
| DPA "claimed" Circuit Court Criminal 2007 Caseload: |
33,316 |
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That's 1,748 more cases than even existed in 2007. | Ignoring for the moment that DPA has claimed that in 2007 it represented 1,748 more cases than actually existed, a comparison of 2007 AOC Circuit Court case reports and the 2007 caseload claims of DPA reveals information that is even more disturbing.
AOC's 2007 records reveal that Circuit Judges appointed DPA to represent indigent defendants in only 17,846 Circuit Court criminal cases (not the 33,316 they claim). That is 15,470 (or 46.5%) fewer cases than they DPA is now claiming they represented in 2007.
| AOC reports that in 2007 the number of indigent defendants DPA was appointed to represent in Circuit Courts was: |
17,846 |
| DPA's caseload "claim" for 2007: |
33,316 |
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That's 15,470 (or 46.5%) fewer cases than DPA claimed. | In other words, DPA apparently only represented, statewide, 53.6% (or roughly one-half) of the 33,000 defendants they claimed to have represented in Kentucky Circuit Courts in 2007.
Editor's Comment: According to AOC records, DPA really only represented a little over half of the criminal cases in Kentucky's Circuit Courts in 2007. Kentucky's prosecutors prosecute all (100%) of the criminal cases.
If there are disparities in funding allocations between the various regional offices of DPA and DPA's administrative office in Frankfort, it would be an issue of management of resources within DPA itself.
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| Death Penalty News |
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Kentucky's Never-Ending Death Penalty Appeal Process Is Shameful
One death row inmate's appeal has taken 28 years so far, and it is only two-third's of the way through.
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Karu White | In 1979, Karu White beat and brutally bludgeoned three helpless senior citizens to death in the course of a robbery in Breathitt County. Charles Gross, Lula Gross and Sam Chaney, ages, 74, 75 and 79, were beaten so badly by this killer that their remains had to be buried in body bags. What a cruel and inhumane way for these innocent victims of our state to breathe their last breath.
This killer was convicted and sentenced to death by a jury and judge in March of 1980. He has been appealing his death sentence ever since.
Normally there are 9 steps in the appeal process before a condemned killer is executed if his death sentenced is upheld. In this case, the appeal has lasted 28 years and it has only completed 6 of the 9 steps in the appeal.
Editor's Comment: Is it any wonder that the public is losing faith in our court system? |
| Court News |
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District Judge Election Round-Up
"We're just glad Kimberly's back!," says Ray Larson.
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The entire office celebrated Kimberly's return. |
Congratulations to Julie Goodman on her election as Fayette District Judge. There were many superior lawyers who ran for that office and it's a shame they all couldn't have been elected.
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No matter what the outcome of the judicial race, our office WON. |
However, we in the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office are happy that Kimberly H. Baird is back with us. She is a real leader in our office and an outstanding prosecutor.
Several of the candidates have been prosecutors in the Fayette Commonwealth's Attorney's Office. Each one was an excellent trial lawyer and we are proud of their achievements and our association with them.
 Kimberly Henderson Baird is a Lexington native and Lafayette High School graduate. She attended the University of Kentucky for both her undergraduate and law degrees. Kimberly was a clarinet player in the Lafayette Band and continued in the UK marching band.
Kimberly has tried 100's of felony jury trials, including a number of complicated murder cases, in the 12 years she has been a part of our office. In addition to her own caseload, Kimberly supervises a team of prosecutors and provides guidance in assisting them in their felony trials.
"Kimberly is one of the most even-tempered people I have ever known," said Ray Larson. "However, defense attorneys have learned the hard way that her temperament can be deceiving. She is also a very accomplished trial lawyer and a very competitive prosecutor. She is a real winner."
Kimberly is married to Joe and has two children.
 Julie Goodman is a Lexington native. She attended Tates Creek High School and Transylvania University for her undergraduate degree and the University of Kentucky for her law degree.
Upon graduation she joined Ray Larson at the Special Prosecutions Division of the Office of the Kentucky Attorney General where, for 4 years, she traveled throughout Kentucky prosecuting high profile criminal cases. Julie then left criminal prosecution for the private practice of civil law. She later rejoined Larson at the Office of the Fayette Commonwealth's Attorney, where she prosecuted several complicated felony cases. "Julie was a tenacious prosecutor," according to Larson.
Julie was later recruited by the United States Equestrian Federation to serve as their General Counsel. Julie was appointed to fill the District Court vacancy created by the retirement of Judge David Hayse and recently was elected to that position.
 Sally Manning was born in Marietta, Georgia. She is a graduate of Auburn University and the Cumberland College of Law.
Sally began her career in the Cobb County District Attorney's Office. She then became an Assistant Fayette Commonwealth's Attorney in 1985 and served as a prosecutor in high-profile felony cases for 8 1/2 years during which she handled some of the most difficult cases. "Sally is one of the most talented trial lawyers I have had the pleasure of working with," said Commonwealth's Attorney Ray Larson.
Sally then served 12 years as the Chief Felony Prosecutor for the Fayette County Attorney's Office.
 Joyce Merritt is from West Virginia. She graduated from Marshall University and the University of Kentucky College of Law. During her third year of law school, Joyce served an internship with the Office of the Fayette Commonwealth's Attorney, during which time she participated in trials with then Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney, now Fayette District Judge, Joe Bouvier. After law school Joyce entered the private practice of law. " I knew that Joyce had great talent as an attorney and would achieve great things," said Ray Larson. |
| Media Watch |
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Enforcement at the Workplace and at the Border are Forcing an Exodus of Illegal Aliens
Americans who want stricter enforcement of the immigration laws, now have proof that stronger enforcement can bring results. http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0731/p08s01-comv.html
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| Meet Kentucky's Felony Prosecutors |
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Laura Donnell, Commonwealth's Attorney For Anderson, Shelby and Spencer Counties
"Laura has been a bright light among prosecutors," says Ray Larson.
 Laura Donnell is the Commonwealth's Attorney for the 53rd Judicial Circuit, consisting of Anderson, Shelby and Spencer Counties.
Laura is a graduate of Jessamine High School, the University of Louisville, and she earned her law degree from the University of Kentucky College of Law.
Laura began her career as a prosecutor at the Jefferson County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office in 1996. She later moved to the Shelby County Attorney's Office in 2000 where she worked until January of 2007. She was elected as Commonwealth's Attorney in November 2006 and took office on January 1, 2007. During her term, Laura has worked to put drug dealers behind bars and has sought tougher sentences on re-offenders. |
| Recent Court Case |
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"She Fought The Law And The Law Won"
Brawl with security and police returns shoplifter to prison.
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Wilvonia Jackson | In June of 2008, loss prevention officials in a Hamburg area store observed a suspect concealing clothing inside her purse. They were able to see her using a tool to cut the alarm tags off the merchandise. When they approached her outside the store, she actively resisted, and continued to fight when an off-duty police officer attempted to assist the store employees.
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Jackson on security tape cutting the alarm tags. |
The suspect was arrested and identified as Wilvonia Jackson, age 29. The wire cutters observed by store security were found in her possession, in addition to the stolen property.
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Prosecutor Jason D. Moore | Criminal records show that Jackson has over 20 misdemeanor convictions including multiple Theft and Resisting Arrest charges, as well as a prior felony Theft conviction. She has failed probation on three prior occasions and was "shock probated" in April of 2007.
Jackson pled guilty to Theft by Unlawful Taking and Persistent Felony Offender charges and was sentenced to serve 5 years in the penitentiary. |
| 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. |
| Who Is On Home Incarceration In Lexington? |
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| Convicted Criminals In The Home Incarceration Program (HIP) in Lexington
Inmates who are nearing the end of their sentences can be placed into the Home Incarceration Program (HIP) under certain circumstances. Offenders who are part of this program are technically still incarcerated; however, they are placed in the community under electronic monitoring rather than being behind the walls of a correctional facility.
To learn the identity of the inmates presently in the Home Incarceration Program in our community, click here. |
| Fayette Circuit Court Sentencings
Friday, November 7, 2008 |
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| 3rd Division - Judge James Ishmael | |
EVANS, Travis Matthew
Age: 28 |
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| Sentenced to 12 months in jail for the prosecution's amended charge of Attempted Tampering With Physical Evidence, 12 months in jail for Possession of Marijuana, and 12 months in jail for Use/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, 1st Offense, to run concurrently for a total of 12 months in jail. Sent to jail. | |
SHANNON, Christian Idris Idris
Age: 19 |
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| Sentenced to 12 months in jail for the prosecution's amended charge of Theft by Unlawful Taking under $300, probated 2 years. | |
TURLEY, Jaslynn Lee
Age: 19 |
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| Sentenced to 12 months in jail for the prosecution's amended charge of Theft by Unlawful Taking under $300, probated 2 years. | |
WILSON, Gordon Marcus
Age: 34 |
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| Sentenced to 1 year in prison for 2nd degree Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, 1st Offense, serve 10 days, probated 3 years. Ordered to pay $500 in restitution. | |
| 4th Division - Judge Pamela Goodwine | |
HALLOCK, Shelly Helen
Age: 24 |
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| Sentenced to 1 year in prison for the prosecution's amended charge of 1st degree Possession of a Controlled Substance, 1st Offense, probated 3 years. | |
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| 7th Division - Judge Ernesto Scorsone | |
FLANNERY, Edward Paul
Age: 39 |
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| Sentenced to 2 years in prison for 1st degree Fleeing or Evading Police. Sent to prison. | |
HELM, Brad Scott
Age: 29 |
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| Sentenced to 2 years in prison for the prosecution's amended charge of 1st degree Possession of a Controlled Substance, serve 6 weekends, probated 5 years. | |
LYVERS, Tony Demetrius
Age: 28 |
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| Sentenced to 12 months in jail for the prosecution's amended charge of Criminal Attempt Tampering with Physical Evidence, 12 months in jail for Possession of Marijuana , 90 days in jail for Operating on a Suspended/Revoked Operators License, to run concurrently for a total of 12 months in jail, probated 2 years. | |
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| 8th Division - Judge Thomas L. Clark | |
BENITEZ-CASTRO, Gerardo
Age: 29 |
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| ILLEGAL ALIEN: Sentenced to 1 year in prison for Intimidating a Participant in Legal Process, and in a separate case, 1 year in prison for 1st degree Wanton Endangerment, to run consecutively for a total of 2 years in prison. Sent to prison. IMMIGRATION CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT (ICE) NOTIFIED. | |
GARCIA, Pedro
Age: 64 |
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| ILLEGAL ALIEN: Sentenced to 12 months in jail for the prosecution's amended charge of 4th degree Assault, 12 months in jail for Resisting Arrest, and 6 months in jail for Disorderly Conduct, to run concurrently for a total of 12 months in jail. Sent to jail. IMMIGRATION CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT (ICE) NOTIFIED. | |
SYKES, Jennifer Ann
Age: 35 |
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| Sentenced to 3 years in prison for Theft by Unlawful Taking over $300, home incarceration and electronic monitoring for 90 days, probated 5 years. Ordered to pay $1,500 in restitution. | |
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| 9th Division - Judge Kimberly Bunnell | |
DENTON, David Allen
Age: 44 |
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| Sentenced to 12 months in jail for the prosecution's amended charge of Attempted Receiving Stolen Property under $300, probated 2 years. Ordered to pay $100 in restitution. | |
HENDREN, Cecil Ray
Age: 60 |
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| Sentenced to 1 year in prison for 1st degree Wanton Endangerment. Sent to prison. | |
SWISHER, Jeffrey Thomas
Age: 20 |
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| Sentenced to 12 months in jail and a $500 fine for 2nd degree Possession of a Controlled Substance, 12 months in jail for 2nd degree Possession of a Controlled Substance, 1st Offense, 30 days in jail, a $200 fine, and a 30 day license suspension for Operating a Motor Vehicle under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs Being under 21 with .02 or More, to run concurrently for a total of 12 months in jail, probated 2 years. | |
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