| 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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| American D.A. - LIVE
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Forensic Friday
Every other Friday 9 am
WVLK 590 AM |
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Officer Don's Crime/Safety Prevention Tip |
Holiday Fire Safety In The Home
Following these safety tips will help ensure a happy and safe holiday season for you and your family.
Trees:
Before you select a tree, perform the FRESHNESS TEST. Gently grab a branch of the tree, about six inches from the trunk of the tree, and pull outward on the branch. When your hand reaches the end of the branch, open it and check for needles. A fresh tree will have only a few needles or none in your hand. If there are several needles, look for a different tree;
Select the location for your Christmas tree carefully, keeping it away from fireplaces, heating vents, and other heat-producing appliances that may dry out the tree;
Mount the tree in a stand that holds water. Keep the water level above the cut;
Use tree lights that bear the Underwriters' Laboratory (U.L.) label;
Exercise care with extension cords. Use no more than three sets of lights per extension cord;
Check your smoke detectors.
Candles:
When using candles, make sure that they are at least a few feet away from any objects that can burn, such as drapes or curtains. Candles should only be used when someone is present;
Never leave candles burning if you leave home or go to sleep;
DO NOT BURN YOUR CHRISTMAS WRAPPING OR BOXES in your fireplace.
Smoke Detectors make great gifts, as do fire extinguishers. |
| 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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Marciano Vasquez Santos |
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Murder |
DOB: 4/01/1979
Race: Hispanic
Sex: Male
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 135
Hair: Black
Eyes: Brown |
Click here to see who is wanted by the Fayette County Sheriff's Office. |
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TOP STORIES
The Crime-Fighter's Fact-Checker
Once again, death penalty opponent Patrick Delahanty misstates the facts.
Criminal Justice News & Views
Task Force formed to crack down on burglaries and thefts in Lexington.
Death Penalty News Dining on Death Row - last meals of some condemned killers.
Last On American DA - LIVE
Prosecutor discusses the "forgotten" victims of executed killer Marco Chapman.
Marco Chapman Execution Aftermath
Media stories which focus on the victims - not the killer.
Crime & Courts NewsCenter
Top criminal justice stories from across America. Recent Court Case
"Doctor Shopper" receives probation. Drug seeker's bogus stories don't add up.
"Wanted Fugitive" Update
Wanted fugitive apprehended.
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. |
| The Crime-Fighter's Fact Checker |
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 Once Again, Death Penalty Opponent Patrick Delahanty Misstates The Facts
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Rev. Patrick Delahanty |
In his latest diatribe in opposition to Kentucky's death penalty, Patrick Delahanty, Chairman of the Kentucky Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, misstates and misrepresents the facts of a case which took place in Whitley County.
The case: Commonwealth v. Larry Osborne
Larry Osborne was accused of brutally murdering an elderly couple and burning their home. He was tried and sentenced to death. The case was reversed by the Kentucky Supreme Court and Osborne was tried again. This time evidence was excluded and the jury didn't believe that there was sufficient evidence to convict and acquitted him.
Delahanty now claims that Osborne was found "innocent" by a jury on the retrial, and uses Osborne as an example of how an "innocent person" can be sentenced to death.
INNOCENT!?! - INNOCENT!?! Maybe Delahanty should know the facts of this awful murder, before he pontificates.
The Fact Finder asked Commonwealth's Attorney Allen Trimble, the prosecutor of Osborne, about the facts and Delahanty's claim that Osborne was "innocent." Here is what Allen Trimble said:
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Allen Trimble | The Lexington Herald-Leader recently published a column by Rev. Patrick Delahanty voicing, once again, his opposition to the death penalty. Certainly Rev. Delahanty has the right to express his opinion, but what disturbs me is the fact that he intentionally misstates and misrepresents the facts of the Larry Osborne case to justify his anti-death penalty position.
What Rev. Delahanty fails to mention is that at the time Larry Osborne was indicted, a young witness who accompanied Osborne on the evening of his murderous spree testified before the Grand Jury and gave a full and complete account of the events of the evening. His account described how Osborne killed the elderly victims and burned their home.
Unfortunately, between the time of the indictment of Osborne and the trial, this young witness mysteriously drowned. (His testimony could not be used against Osborne during the second trial). At the time his family believed that his death was related to his cooperation with authorities.
For Rev. Delahanty to state that Osborne was found "innocent" is far from the truth.
To use the Osborne case as an example to support the anti-death penalty cause demonstrates how far death penalty opponents must reach to justify their position. It is truly frustrating to read such misinformation presented as fact.
Allen Trimble, Whitley County Commonwealth's Attorney |
Editor's comment: So, there you have it. As for Delahanty's misstatement and misrepresentation, we can only assume that for him and his cause, the ends justify the means. |
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Criminal Justice News & Views |
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Task Force Formed To Crack Down On Burglaries & Thefts In Lexington
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From left, Police Chief Ronnie Bastin, Mayor Jim Newberry, Sheriff Kathy Witt and Commonwealth's Attorney Ray Larson. Photo Source: www.lfucg.com |
Burglaries and thefts from cars have increased dramatically in the past 3 1/2 months in Lexington.
To combat this trend, the Lexington Police, Fayette County Sheriff and Commonwealth's Attorney have joined forces to crack down on the criminals who commit these crimes.
| "We know two things about repeat offenders - when they are on the street, they commit crimes, and when they are incarcerated, they don't!"
Ray Larson, Fayette Commonwealth's Attorney | The creation of the 12 person Task-Force was recently announced by Mayor Jim Newberry, Chief Ronnie Bastin, Sheriff Kathy Witt and Commonwealth's Attorney Ray Larson.
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From WKTY.com, November 17, 2008 (click on picture for the article and story): |
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The Task Force is made up of Lexington Police and Fayette County Deputy Sheriffs and cases are reviewed by prosecutors from the Fayette Commonwealth's Attorneys Office.
So far, 127 people have been arrested and $56,000 in stolen property has been recovered.
"Rather than simply reacting to crimes, we, in Lexington, have chosen to be proactive and aggressively pursue these criminals who prey on our citizens," said Ray Larson, Fayette Commonwealth's Attorney.
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| Death Penalty News |
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Dining On Death Row
Last meals of some condemned killers.
 If you were on death row what would be your last meal? Think about it. It's not as simple a question as it appears. Your first instinct might be to pick your favorite food. But maybe you might select your most meaningful food, such as the first meal your wife made you, or one of your mom's memory-laden classics. Or maybe your desolation and bitterness would leave you so resigned that you would forgo a final feast.
As morbid as it seems there exists great fascination about the last meals of condemned prisoners, especially the famous ones.
Today, most governments provide a last meal to those who are sentenced to death. In the United States, the actual parameters of the last meal vary from state to state. Naturally there are limitations on the requests. Texas limits the meals to food that can be made within the prison. Florida imposes a twenty dollar price limit. Some states will allow take out from pizza parlors or other popular restaurants. Maryland does not offer its inmates a special last meal.
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So what are some famous last meals?
Ted Bundy, the notorious serial killer and necrophiliac, dined on steak, eggs, hash browns and coffee;
John Wayne Gacy, another depraved serial murderer chose fried chicken, fried shrimp, french fries and strawberries;
Velma Barfield, the famous female arsenic killer, asked for a bag of Cheez Doodles and a Coke;
Aileen Wuornos, another infamous female killer who took the lives of seven men, declined a last meal;
Timothy McVeigh,the Oklahoma City bomber, received ice cream;
Victor Feguer, who kidnapped a doctor and killed him, asked for a single olive;
Adolf Eichman, the notorious Nazi, in what could only be considered sadistic and twisted, requested an Israeli wine;
Robert Alton Harris, California murderer, desired Kentucky Fried Chicken and Domino's pizza;
Joan of Arc asked for Holy Communion. |
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| Last On American DA - LIVE |
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Prosecutor Discusses The "Forgotten" Victims Of Executed Killer Marco Chapman
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Marco Allen Chapman (AP Photo) | We all know that Marco Chapman was executed recently. And we know what he had to eat for breakfast on his last day. We know a lot about him because, as usual, the media spends almost all of their energy talking about these killers on Death Rows.
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Prosecutor Linda Tally Smith |
Linda Tally Smith, the Commonwealth's Attorney for the 54th Judicial Circuit, was the prosecutor of Chapman. More importantly, as a prosecutor, Linda got to know the family of the 6 and 7-year-old children who were viciously murdered. Her admiration for the strength of Carolyn Marksberry and her family is heart wrenching.
Listen to Linda discuss the case and especially the brutality of the condemned killer on the latest American DA - LIVE.
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| Marco Chapman Execution Aftermath |
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Media Stories Which Focus On The Victims - Not The Killer
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Marco Chapman's victims |
Louisville Courier-Journal Columnist Gets It Right
It's about the victims, not the killer.
"I keep wondering: What must it have been like for those two innocent children back in 2002 when Marco Chapman began cutting their throats." Finally someone in the old-media gets it. Byron Crawford's column looks at the monstrous murders of a 6 and 7-year-old from a grandfather and victim's point of view. http://www.courierjournal.com/article/20081123/COLUMNISTS04/ 811230574/1008/NEWS01
Statement From The Family Of The Victims
Carolyn Marksberry, mother of the two murdered children, asks that any tears should be for her murdered children, not the killer. We agree!
Statement Of The Prosecutor Of Chapman
Commonwealth's Attorney Linda Tally Smith's straight talk about the crime, the victims and the murderer gets right to the point.
Killer Of Children Ages 6 And 7 Executed
The Lexington Herald-Leader's account of Chapman's execution, mostly about the killer.
Marco Chapman's Handwritten Note
More of the same from the Lexington Herald-Leader.
Chapman woke early and ate a big breakfast
Still more of the killer-focused reporting from the Lexington Herald-Leader.
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| Crime & Courts NewsCenter |
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Poor Economy = High Crime Is An "American Myth"
There was very little crime during the Depression years. However, some crimes may increase: domestic violence, alcohol-related crime, identity theft, taking advantage of senior citizens, to name a few.
Illegal Cell Phones In America's Prisons A Problem
Inmates using smuggled cell phones threaten victims, conduct drug deals, plot escapes, and seek legal help.
The Most Dangerous Cities In AmericaWhere does your city rank in the list of the Top 385 Crime Cities? Louisville - #135; Lexington - #198
http://os.cqpress.com/citycrime/CityCrime2008_Rank_Rev.pdf
The Lexington Herald-Leader's Report Of What The Kentucky Criminal Justice Council Recommended
In England, 25% Of Sex Offenders Just Given A Warning!
"Soft punishments let offenders think they can get away with their crimes." No kidding!
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| Recent Court Case |
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"Doctor Shopper" Receives Probation
Drug seeker's bogus stories don't add up.
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Sarah Collett |
In August of 2007, police responded to an injury complaint on Clays Mill Road. Patrol officers located Sarah Collett, age 55, who claimed to have been pushed out of a moving vehicle. The officers noted she had no injuries or damage to her clothing, and further investigation revealed that Collett and another individual had been at an area hospital demanding prescriptions for painkillers. When their demands were refused, due to multiple prescriptions being filled for them recently, they became disruptive and left the hospital. Collett was cited and released.
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Prosecutor Lori Boling | In early July of 2008, Lexington police were summoned to another area hospital regarding a suspect who was displaying "drug seeking" behavior, and again met Ms. Collett. She was again trying to obtain a prescription for painkillers, and denied having sought any other medical treatment. Investigation showed that Collett had been treated at other area hospitals and had a current prescription for pain medication. Collett, who was a fugitive from her earlier charge, was arrested and transported to the Fayette County Detention Center.
Criminal records show that Collett has 11 prior convictions, including Public Intoxication, DUI, Giving a Police Officer a False Name, Theft, Possession of Controlled Substances, and Attempted Prescription Fraud. She pled guilty to two counts of Attempting to Obtain Controlled Substances by Fraud and was sentenced to two years, probated for five years. |
| "Wanted Fugitive" Update |
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| Wanted Fugitive Apprehended
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Sheriff Kathy Witt |
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Deandrae McCray | On November 14, 2008, Deandrae McCray, wanted for Robbery 1st degree, was apprehended by the Lexington Police Department. When fugitives wanted by the Fayette County Sheriff's Office are apprehended, a red " APPREHENDED" designation will be placed across his or her photograph. Click here to see who is wanted by the Fayette County Sheriff's Office. |
| 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
Wednesday, November 26, 2008 & Friday, December 5, 2008 |
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| 3rd Division - Judge James Ishmael | |
FRENCH, Shannon Denise
Age: 34 |
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| Sentenced to 3 years in prison for False Statement or Misrepresentation to Receive Benefits >$100, diverted 5 years. Ordered to pay $1,222.73 | |
GRAGSTON, Anthony Dewayne
Age: 24 |
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| REPEAT OFFENDER: Sentenced to 5 years in prison for 1st degree Possession of a Controlled Substance, 1st Offense, and status as a Persistent Felony Offender, 12 months in jail for 2nd degree Fleeing or Evading Police, and 12 months in jail for Resisting Arrest, and, in a separate case, sentenced to 1 year in prison for the prosecution's amended charge of Possession of a Controlled Substance, 1st Offense, to run consecutive for a total of 6 years in prison. Sent to prison. | |
JOHNSON, Michael Wayne
Age: 45 |
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| REPEAT OFFENDER: Sentenced to 5 years in prison for Flagrant Non Support and status as a Persistent Felony Offender, probated 5 years. Ordered to pay $27,032.15 in arrearage. | |
MULLINS, Bryan Stephen
Age: 18 |
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| Sentenced to 7 years in prison for the prosecution's amended charge of 2nd degree Complicity Robbery. Sent to prison. | |
TOLSON, Tyler Norris
Age: 22 |
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| Sentenced to1 year in prison for Fraudulent Use of Credit Cards Over $100 within a 6-Month Period, probated 3 years. Ordered to pay $650.50 in restitution. | |
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| 3rd Division - Judge James Ishmael | |
MCCREADY, Alan Richard
Age: 34 |
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| ILLEGAL ALIEN: Sentenced to 1 year in prison for 2nd degree Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, conditionally discharged. IMMIGRATION CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT (ICE) NOTIFIED | |
PAYNES, Jessie Lee
Age: 26 |
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| Sentenced to 12 months in jail for the prosecution's amended charge of 1st degree Criminal Trespassing, probated 2 years. | |
STONE, Kristina Joy
Age: 28 |
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| Sentenced to 12 months in jail for the prosecution's amended charge of 2nd degree Criminal Attempt Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, probated 2 years. Ordered to pay $560 in restitution. | |
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| 4th Division - Judge Pamela Goodwine | |
ARDUZ, Hugo Enrique
Age: 37 |
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| Sentenced to 10 years in prison for Use of a Minor under 16 in a Sex Performance, 1 year in prison for the prosecution's amended charge of Possession of Matter Portraying a Minor in a Sex Performance, and 5 years in prison for 3rd degree Sodomy, 2 1/2 years to run consecutive for a total of 12 1/2 years in prison. Sent to prison. | |
KIMMEL, Crystal Michelle
Age: 27 |
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| Sentenced to 1 year in prison for 2nd degree Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, probated 3 years. Ordered to pay $1,708.24 in restitution. | |
KIRBY, Janie Renee
Age: 33 |
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| Sentenced to 1 year each in prison for 2 counts of 1st degree Attempt/Obtain a Controlled Substance, to run consecutively for a total of 2 years in prison, probated 4 years. | |
ROBERTS, Kakilya Lasha
Age: 23 |
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| Sentenced to 5 years in prison for the prosecution's amended charge of 1st degree Possession of a Controlled Substance, 1st Offense, and status as a Persistent Felony Offender, probated 5 years. | |
| 7th Division - Judge Ernesto Scorsone | |
LEHMANN, Samantha B.
Age: 20 |
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| Sentenced to 1 year in prison for the prosecution's amended charge of Possession of a Controlled Substance, and 90 days in jail for the prosecution's amended charge of Possession of Marijuana, serve 30 days, probated 3 years. | |
MCMULLEN, Michael Lamont
Age: 37 |
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| Sentenced to 4 years in prison for Flagrant Non Support, probated 5 years. | |
PENMAN, Joquia Lache
Age: 18 |
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| Sentenced to 3 years in prison for 1st degree Possession of a Controlled Substance, 1st Offense, diverted 5 years. | |
ROBERTS, Richard Todd
Age: 29 |
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| Sentenced to 4 years in prison for 1st degree Wanton Endangerment, 12 months in jail for the prosecution's amended charge of 2nd degree Fleeing or Evading the Police, 30 days in jail and a $350 fine for Operating a Motor Vehicle under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs, 1st Offense, 12 months in jail for Leaving the Scene of an Accident/Failure to Render Aid or Assistance, and 90 days in jail for Operating on a Suspended, to run concurrently for a total of 4 years in prison. Sent to prison. | |
WADE, Larry Nelson
Age: 61 |
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| Sentenced to 5 years in prison for 1st degree Trafficking in a Controlled Substance, 1st Offense, serve 6 months, probated 5 years. | |
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| 8th Division - Judge Thomas L. Clark | |
POLANCO, Jesse Tony III
Age: 27 |
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| Sentenced to 8 years each in prison for 2 counts of the prosecution's amended charge of 2nd degree Robbery, and 1 year in prison for 1st degree Wanton Endangerment, the 8 year sentences are to run consecutive and the 1 year sentence is to run concurrent for a total of 16 years in prison. Sent to prison. | |
RIOS, Yarelis
Age: 22 |
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| Sentenced to 3 years for in prison for 2nd degree Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, and 1 year each for 2 counts of 2nd degree Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument,to run consecutive for a total of 5 years in prison, probated 5 years. Ordered to pay $7, 446.42 in restitution. | |
| 9th Division - Judge Kimberly Bunnell | |
ALCORN, James Charles
Age: 33 |
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| Sentenced to 1 year in prison for 4th degree Enhancement Assault Domestic Violence, 12 months each in jail for 2 counts of Violation of Kentucky E.P.O./D.V.O., to run concurrently for a total of 1 year in prison. Sent to prison. Ordered to pay $5,042.13 in restitution. | |
CARRIER, Jeffery Allen
Age: 47 |
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| Sentenced to 5 years in prison for 2nd degree Burglary, serve 6 months, probated 5 years. Ordered to pay $100 in restitution. | |
CARTER, Daniel Lee
Age: 25 |
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| Sentenced to 12 months in jail for the prosecution's amended charge of Theft of Mislaid Property under $300. Time served. | |
COOK, Phyllis Kay
Age: 61 |
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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. | |
HERNANDEZ, Jesus Gilberto
Age: 22 |
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| ILLEGAL ALIEN: Sentenced to 1 year in prison for 2nd degree Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument and 90 days in jail for No Operators License, probated 1 year. IMMIGRATION CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT (ICE) NOTIFIED | |
RANKIN, Lisa Dawn
Age: 36 |
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| Sentenced to 1 year in prison for Fraudulent Use of Credit Cards over $100 within a 6-Month Period, serve 30 days, probated 5 years. Ordered to pay $688.77 in restitution. | |
VALENTINE, Marlowe William
Age: 38 |
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| Sentenced to 10 years in prison for the prosecution's amended charge of 1st degree Manslaughter. Sent to prison. | |
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