KY SEAL 2
Sanders

From the Office of:
ROB SANDERS
COMMONWEALTH'S ATTORNEY
16th Judicial Circuit - Kenton County, KY 
 

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This Week in Kenton Circuit Court...

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In This Issue
Other Guilty Pleas & Sentencings
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To take a virtual tour of the Kentucky State Penitentiary in Eddyville, including the electric chair, click:
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Issue #117 April 2, 2010  
Greetings Kenton County!   
The men and women of the Commonwealth's Attorney Office are always working hard to keep Kenton County safe.  This newsletter is intended to keep all interested parties up to date on the latest in prosecution and law enforcement news.  If you have any questions or would like additional information about the cases you see in this email, please call (859) 292-6580 or email the Commonwealth's Attorney Office at robsanders@kentonprosecutor.com .
 
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month!  
"There Is No Excuse for Child Abuse!"
 
blue ribbonDid you know...
  • Kentucky leads the nation in child abuse fatalities!
  • NKY ranks higher than state and national averages in child abuse & neglect!
  • 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 7 boys will be sexually abused before they reach the age of 18. 
  • The United States spends $10.3 BILLION annually on foster care, incarceration, hospitalization, social services and loss of productivity due to child abuse! 
    •
 
The Kenton County Commonwealth's Attorney Office is partnering with The Family Nurturing Center (FNC) to promote National Child Abuse Prevention Month.  The FNC provides a comprehensive array of programs and services designed to help children and families, including:
  • speechChild Abuse Treatment
  • Community Education & Training
  • Parenting Video/DVDs
  • Parenting Education & Support
  • "Kids On the Block" Child Abuse Education in Schools
  • Nurturing Parent Program
  • Infant Protection and Comfort Classes
  • Supervised Visitation
    •
 
All prosecutors and staff in the Kenton CAO will be wearing blue ribbons every day in April to recognize and promote Nation Child Abuse Prevention Month.  The CAO staff have also been awarded "casual Friday" throughout the month of April in recognition of employees' financial contributions to the FNC's Blue Ribbon Campaign.  You can support National Child Abuse Prevention Month too!  Anyone willing to contribute $5 or more receives a "There Is No Excuse for Child Abuse" blue ribbon pin.  Blue ribbon pins are available at the Kenton CAO or any Bank of Kentucky location.  100% of funds raised from blue ribbon pin sales goes to the FNC's fight against child abuse.  Click here for additional information about The Family Nurturing Center.
 
2009 Child Abuse & Neglect Data*:
Boone: 1,004
Bourbon: 386
Campbell: 1,163
Carroll: 403
Gallatin: 191
Grant: 495
Harrison: 260
Kenton: 3,589
Nicholas: 143
Owen: 119
Pendleton: 258
Scott: 804
 
NKY Total: 8,848
KY Total: 86,454
 
*As Reported by the Cabinet for Health & Family Services
GUILTY VERDICT  
 Commonwealth v. Jeffrey Bright
aaron allenJudge: Summe
Prosecutors: James T. Redwine
Police Agency: Erlanger
 
On September 19, 2009, at approximately 9:00 p.m., the cashier at Ameristop on Dixie Highway in Erlanger called 911 to report a robbery that had just occurred.  The cashier told police that a man she recognized as a regular customer asked for a pack of cigarettes but when she turned back around, he held a knife to her stomach and demanded money.  The man then fled on foot an was last seen running between Duesing Bros. Ice House and Salvadore's Pizza.  Erlanger Police responded and tracked the robber using a K9 but lost the scent near Cross Street in Elsmere.  The cashier also told police the same man had been in the store earlier in the evening and purchased an Icee.
 
During the search for the robber, Elsmere Officer Steve Dickerson remembered that Jeffrey Bright, a suspect in prior theft cases, fit the description of the robber and lived very close to where the K9 lost the robber's scent.  Witnesses in the area told police they had seen Bright arrive shortly after the robbery and leave in a car.  Officers searched Bright's home and found an Icee cup that had been recently deposited in the trashcan in Bright's bedroom.  Erlanger Lt. Mike Bianchi prepared a photo line-up with Bright's picture and took it to the cashier.  Without hesitation, the cashier identified Bright as the man that robbed her.  Dickerson located Bright at his residence the next day and he was arrested by Erlanger Police.
 
Bright was indicted for 1st Degree Robbery on November 19, 2009.  The case was called for trial before Kenton Circuit Court Judge Patricia Summe on February 3, 2009.  1st Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Jim Redwine called two employees of Ameristop, as well as the store owner, to testify about the robbery.  The jury also heard from Kenton County Police K9 Officer Darrell Caldwell, Officer Dickerson, Lt. Bianchi, and Erlanger Police Detective Greg Aylor.  At the conclusion of the two day trial, the jury deliberated for approximately an hour and a half before returning their verdict finding Bright guilty as charged.  After additional evidence in the sentencing phase, the jury recommended that Bright serve 11 years in prison.
 
Bright was called before the Court for formal, final sentencncing on March 9, 2010.  After hearing argument from counsel for both parties, Judge Summe followed the recommendation of the jury and sentenced Bright to 11 years in prison.  Under Kentucky law, 1st Degree Robbery is a violent offense, meaning that Bright must serve 85% of his sentence before being eligible for parole. 
Other Guilty Pleas & Sentencings  
Commonwealth v. Richard Greenhow Jr.Robert Greenhow
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: Alysha McKinney
Police Agency: Elsmere
 On 3/29/10 Greenhow pled guilty to Possession of a Controlled Substance (heroin) and Tampering with Physical Evidence. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Alysha McKinney is recommending that Greenhow, who has no felony record, be ordered into the felony diversion program for 3 years. Final sentencing is set for 4/27/10.
 
Commonwealth v. Kara HustKara Hust
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: Alysha McKinney
Police Agency: Elsmere
 
On 3/29/10 Hust pled guilty to Possession of a Controlled Substance (heroin). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Alysha McKinney is recommending that Hust, who has no felony record, be ordered into the felony diversion program for 3 years. Final sentencing is set for 4/27/10.

Commonwealth v. Jessie ConleyJesse Conley
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor:Casey Burns
Police Agency: Kenton Co. Jail

On 3/29/10 Conley pled guilty to Tampering with Physical Evidence and Escape 2nd Degree. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Casey Burns is recommending a 3 year prison sentence. Final sentencing is set for 4/27/10.
Commonwealth v. Bryan Heueraaron allen
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: Casey Burns
Police Agency: Erlanger
 
On 3/29/10 Heuer pled guilty to Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Casey Burns is recommending a 1 year prison sentence. Final sentencing is set for 4/13/10.
 
Commonwealth v. Eric AllenEric Allen
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: Leanne Beck
Police Agency: Kenton Co. Sheriff
 
On 3/29/10 Allen pled guilty to Arson 3rd Degree. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Leanne Beck is recommending a 2 1/2 year prison sentence. Final sentencing is set for 5/25/10.
 
Commonwealth v. Tracey Hennspeech
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: Carol Risk
 Police Agency: Kenton Co. Child Support

On 3/29/10 Henn pled guilty to Flagrant Non Support. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Carol Risk is recommending that Henn, who has no felony record, be ordered into the felony diversion program for 5 years. Final sentencing is set for 5/25/10.

Commonwealth v. Melissa SeitzMelissa Seitz
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: Rob Sanders
Police Agency:Office of Inspector General

On 3/29/10 Seitz pled guilty to Making False Statements.  Commonwealth's Attorney Rob Sanders is recommending that Seitz, who has no felony record, be ordered into the felony diversion program for 3 years. Final sentencing is set for 5/25/10.

Commonwealth v. Terry BrownTerry Brown
Judge: Sheehan
Prosecutor: Joseph Meadows
Police Agency: Kenton Co. Sheriff

On 3/29/10 Brown pled guilty to Possession of a Controlled Substance (cocaine). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Joseph Meadows is recommending a sentence of 3 years probated for 3 years. Final sentencing is set for 4/26/10.

Commonwealth v. Amy HughettAmy Hughett
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: Joseph Meadows
Police Agency: Covington

On 3/29/10 Hughett pled guilty to Possession of a Controlled Substance (heroin). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Joe Meadows is recommending a 1 1 /2 year prison sentence. Final sentencing is set for 4/27/10.

Commonwealth v. David LillardDavid Lillard
Judge: Sheehan
Prosecutor: Casey Burns
Police Agency: Erlanger

On 3/29/10 Lillard pled guilty to Burglary 3rd Degree and Theft (>$500). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Casey Burns is recommending a 5 year prison sentence. Final sentencing is set for 5/25/10.

Commonwealth v.Ronnie SmithRonnie Smith
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor:Casey Burns
Police Agency: Covington

On 3/29/10 Smith pled guilty to Theft (>$500).Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Casey Burns is recommending a 1 1/2 year prison sentence. Final sentencing is set for 4/27/10.

Commonwealth v.  Ryan CraftRyan Craft
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: James Redwine
Police Agency: Lakeside/Crestview Hills

On 3/29/10 Craft pled guilty to Theft (>$500). 1st Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Jim Redwine is recommending that Craft, who has no felony record, be ordered into the felony diversion program for 5 years. Final sentencing is set for 4/27/10.

Commonwealth v. Sarah DarnerSarah Darner
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: James Redwine
Police Agency: Lakeside/Crestview Hills

On 3/29/10 Darner pled guilty to Theft (>$500). 1st Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Jim Redwine is recommending that Darner, who has no felony record, be ordered into the felony diversion program for 5 years.Final sentencing is set for 4/27/10.

Commonwealth v. Christopher HartkeChristopher Hartke
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: James Redwine
Police Agency: Lakeside/Crestview Hills

On 3/29/10 Hartke pled guilty to Theft (>$500). 1st Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Jim Redwine is recommending that Hartke, who has no felony record, be ordered into the felony diversion program for 5 years. Final sentencing is set for 4/27/10.

Commonwealth v. Ian PilcherIan Pilcher
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: James Redwine
Police Agency: Lakeside/Crestview Hills

On 3/29/10 Pilcher pled guilty to Burglary 2nd Degree. 1st Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Jim Redwine is recommending a 5 year prison sentence. Final sentencing is set for 4/27/10.

Commonwealth v. Jarrell BakerJarrell Baker
Judge: Sheehan
Prosecutor: Joseph Meadows
Police Agency: Covington

On 3/29/10 Baker pled guilty to 2 counts of Trafficking in a Controlled Substance within 1,000 yds of a School. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Joe Meadows is recommending a 2 year prison sentence. Final sentencing is set for 4/26/10.

Commonwealth v. Russell EvansRussell Evans
Judge: Bartlett
Prosecutor: Leanne Beck
Police Agency: Ft. Wright

On 3/29/10 Evans pled guilty to Theft (>$500). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Leanne Beck is recommending a 4 year prison sentence. Final sentencing is set for 5/10/10.

Commonwealth v. April MasonApril Mason
Judge: Bartlett
Prosecutor: Alysha McKinney
Police Agency: Covington

On 3/29/10 Mason pled guilty to Wanton Endangerment. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Alysha McKinney is recommending a 1 1/2 year prison sentence. Final sentencing is set for 5/24/10

Commonwealth v. Carrie LindsayCarrie Lindsay
Judge: Sheehan
Prosecutor: Leanne Beck
Police Agency: Covington
 
On 3/29/10 Lindsay pled guilty to Wanton Endangerment. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Leanne Beck is recommended a 5 year prison sentence. Final sentencing is for 4/26/10.
 
Commonwealth v. Zachary SweattZachary Sweatt
Judge: Sheehan
Prosecutor: Leanne Beck
Police Agency: Ft. Wright
 
On 3/29/10 Sweatt pled guilty to Robbery 2nd Degree. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Leanne Beck is recommending a 6 year prison sentence. Final sentencing is set for 4/26/10.

Commonwealth v. Bradley ScharsteinBradley Scharstein
Judge: Bartlett
Prosecutor: Leanne Beck
Police Agency: Covington

On 3/29/10 Scharstein pled guilty to 2 counts of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Leanne Beck recommended that Scharstein, who has no felony record, be ordered into the felony diversion program for 3 years. On 3/29/10 Scharstein was ordered into the felony diversion program for 3 years.

Commonwealth v. Jonathan JonesJonathan Jones
Judge: Bartlett
Prosecutor: Casey Burns
Police Agency: Ludlow
 
On 2/11/10 Jones pled guilty to Burglary 3rd Degree. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Casey Burns recommended a 1 1/2 year prison sentence. On 3/29/10 Jones was sentenced to 3 years probated for 3 years.
 
Commonwealth v. James MastinJames Mastin
Judge: Bartlett
Prosecutor: Alysha McKinney
Police Agency: Covington
 
On 2/11/10 Mastin pled guilty to Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument and Possession of a Controlled Substance (unspecified) . Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Alysha McKinney recommended a 3 year prison sentence. On 3/29/10  Mastin was sentenced to 3 years in prison.
 
Commonwealth v. Vaughn Starnesaaron allen
Judge: Bartlett
Prosecutor: Stefanie Kastner
Police Agency: Ft. Wright
 
On 1/29/10 Starnes pled guilty to Unlawful Imprisonment. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Stefanie Kastner recommended a sentence of 3 years probated for 3 years. On 3/29/10 Starnes was ordered into the felony diversion program for 3 years.
 
Commonwealth v. Steve BrannSteve Brann
Judge: Bartlett
Prosecutor: James Redwine
Police Agency: NKY Drug Strike Force
 
On 2/8/10 Brann pled guilty to Criminal Facilitation to Manufacturing Methamphetamine. 1st Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Jim Redwine recommended a 1 year prison sentence. On 3/29/10 Brann was sentenced to 1 year in prison.
 
Commonwealth v. Thomas Freemanaaron allen
Judge: Sheehan
Prosecutor: Laura Ward
Police Agency: Erlanger
 
On 1/5/10  Freeman pled guilty to Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Laura Ward recommended a 5 year prison sentence. On 3/29/10 Freeman was sentenced to 5 years in prison.
 
Commonwealth v. Keith Arrickaaron allen
Judge: Sheehan
Prosecutor: Rob Sanders
Police Agency: Covington
 
On 3/2/10 Arrick pled guilty to Possession of a Controlled Substance (methadone) and Prohibited Commerce in Counterfeit Goods. Commonwealth's Attorney Rob Sanders recommended a 1 1/2 year prison sentence. On 3/29/10 Arrick was sentenced to 16 months in prison.
 
Commonwealth v. Robert GrayRobert Gary
Judge: Sheehan
Prosecutor: Carol Risk
Police Agency: Kenton Co. Child Support
 
On 6/15/09 Gray pled guilty to Flagrant Non Support. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Carol Risk recommended a sentence of 5 years probated for 5 years. On 3/29/10 Gray was sentenced to 5 years probated for 5 years.
 
Commonwealth v. James PearsonJames Pearson
Judge: Sheehan
Prosecutor: Leanne Beck
Police Agency: Covington
 
On 3/2/10 Pearson pled guilty to Burglary 3rd Degree. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Leanne Beck recommended a 4 year prison sentence. On 3/29/10 Pearson was sentenced to 3 years in prison.
 
Commonwealth v. Raymond DorseyRaymond Dorsey
Judge: Sheehan
Prosecutor: Carol Risk
Police Agency: Kenton Co. Child Support
 
On 12/9/08 Dorsey pled guilty to Flagrant Non Support. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Carol Risk recommended a sentence of 3 years probated for 5 years, serve 90 days in the county jail. On 3/29/10 Dorsey was sentenced to 3 years probated for 5 years, serve 90 days in the county jail.

Commonwealth v. Karey SlusserKarey Slusser
Judge: Sheehan
Prosecutor: Casey Burns
Police Agency: Covington

On 3/2/10 Slusser pled guilty to Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Casey Burns recommend that Slusser, who has no felony record, be ordered into the felony diversion program for 3 years. On 3/29/10 Slusser was ordered into the felony diversion program for 3 years.

Commonwealth v. Anthony Palmeraaron allen
Judge: Sheehan
Prosecutor: Casey Burns
Police Agency: Covington

On 2/22/10 Palmer pled guilty to Burglary 2nd Degree. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Casey Burns recommended a 5 year prison sentence. On 3/29/10 Palmer was sentenced to 5 years in prison.
FAILED TO APPEAR/WANTED:  

*NONE*
Other Law Enforcement News:  
 
Thank you for taking the time to stay informed about criminal justice in Kenton County.   
 
Sincerely,
Signature
Rob Sanders
Commonwealth's Attorney Office
 

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