Rachel Dove-Baldwin

Staff Writer

WILLIAMSON – According to information provided by Prosecuting Attorney C. Michael Sparks, a total of 5 defendants have entered guilty pleas this week before Mingo County Circuit Court Judge Michael Thornsbury. One individual was sentenced to prison while the remaining four are scheduled for sentencing on April 8th at 9 a.m.

Albert Warren Childress, Indictment J13-F20; Childress pleaded guilty to Attempt (possession of Schedule II controlled substance with intent to deliver), a lesser included offense of possession of Schedule II controlled substance with intent to deliver, as charged in the criminal indictment. Childress was sentenced to confinement in a state correctional facility for an indefinite term of not less than 1 year nor more than 3 years. The defendant was represented by Attorney Jerry M. Lyall. Williamson Police (WPD) Chief C. D. Rockel was the primary investigating officer.

Brandon Cline, Indictment J13-F21; Cline entered a guilty plea to Attempt (delivery of a Schedule II controlled substance – Hydromorphone), a lesser included offense of delivery of a Schedule II controlled substance, as originally charged. Cline is facing a possible prison sentence of 1-3 years. The defendant was represented by Attorney Diana Carter Wiedel. Mingo County Sheriff’s Department (MCSD) Corporal N. Mines was the officer who made the arrest and investigated the case.

Lori Sexton, Indictment J13-F42; Sexton pleaded guilty to delivery of Schedule I controlled substance (Marijuana) as indicted and charged. Sexton is exposed to a sentence of confinement in a state correctional facility for an indefinite term of not less than 1 year nor more than 5 years. Sexton was represented by Public Defender David A. Foley. MCSD Corporal N. Mines was the primary investigating officer.

Cynthia Waller, Indictment J13-F55; entered a plea of guilty to the charge of Attempt (Delivery of Schedule I controlled substance - Heroin), a lesser included offense of delivery of Schedule I controlled substance, as listed in the indictment. Waller is exposed to a sentence of 1-3 years in a state correctional facility. Waller was represented by Public Defender Jonathan “Duke” Jewell. Mingo County Drug Task Force Commander C. D. Rockel and MCSD Corporal C. Endicott were the primary investigating officers.

Jacob Everette Murphy, Indictment J13-F7; pleaded guilty to Attempt (burglary), a lesser included offense of burglary, as indicted by the grand jury. Murphy faces a possible prison sentence of 1-3 years. The defendant was represented by Attorney Jerry M. Lyall. WPD Patrolman J. L. Marcum was the primary investigating officer.