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
MOST WANTED!
GUILTY
GUILTY
Other Guilty Pleas & Sentencings
Failures to Appear/WANTED
Law Enforcement News
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Quote of the Week:
 
"Every man is guilty of all the good he did not do. "
 
-Voltaire 
 
 
 
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Check this out!
Issue #30 June 26, 2008  
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 .
 
NEW FEATURE!  
wantedKenton County's  
Every edition of "This Week in Kenton Circuit Court" includes the names and mugshots of every defendant who failed to appear for a scheduled court date in the hopes that our readers can help law enforcement locate the defendants to serve the arrest warrants.  Most wanted persons are arrested for their failure to appear in a matter of days.  Some realize they have missed court and turn themselves in.  Other defendants, however, go into hiding or skip town in an effort to run from the law.  The Kenton County Commonwealth's Attorney Office has now created a web page dedicated to identifying the most dangerous and flagrant wanted persons who are at large and attempting to escape justice. 
 
If you see any of these defendants, call 911.  If you have information that could assist police in locating a wanted persons, call Kenton County Police at (859) 356-3191 or the Kenton County Sheriff at (859) 392-1800.  Each of these criminals should be considered armed and dangerous.  Do not confront or attempt to detain a wanted person.
 
To see Kenton County's Most Wanted, CLICK HERE!
GUILTY    
Commonwealth v. James Taylorjames taylor
Judge: Sheehan
Prosecutor: Justin Sanders
Police Agency: Ft. Mitchell 
 
On February 14, 2008, James Taylor, 19, of Erlanger, was driving his green Chevrolet Malibu up Orphanage Road towards Dixie Highway.  Taylor's cousin, Jason Partin, was in the passenger seat.  Coming through curves just below Jerrys Lane, Taylor lost control of the car and crossed the double yellow line, slamming head-on into a car traveling in the opposite direction.  Both Taylor and Partin where ejected from the vehicle.  The on-coming car went airborne and landed in a culvert, on top of Partin, killing him.
 
Ft. Mitchell Police responded to the wreck and immediately became suspicious when a baggie of marijuana was found lying in the roadway and EMTs located diazepam pills in Taylor's pocket.  Taylor was transported to University Hospital where his blood was drawn.  The KY State Police Forensic Laboratory determined that Taylor's blood alcohol content was .11g/100mL.  Drivers are presumed to be under the influence at .08g/100mL.  The blood sample was insufficient for drug testing.  Examination of the "black box" on Taylor's vehicle revealed a speed of 65 m.p.h. just before impact.  The speed limit on that stretch of Orphanage Road is 35 m.p.h.  An autopsy report on Partin indicated that the teenager suffocated to death beneath the other car.
 
Ft. Mitchell Police Detective Tim Berwanger located witnesses who had seen both Taylor and Partin drinking champagne and consuming diazepam in the hours before the crash.  To make matters worse, Berwanger also discovered that Taylor's driver's license had been suspended just two days before the wreck after he pled guilty to DUI.  Berwanger obtained a warrant for Taylor's arrest on April 7, 2008.  Once arrested, Taylor admitted to drinking and doing drugs prior to driving and causing the wreck.  Taylor has recovered from his injuries sustained in the crash. 
 
On June 17, 2008, Taylor waived presentation of his case to the Kenton County Grand Jury and was indicted for Manslaughter 2nd Degree by way of felony information.  On June 24, 2008 Taylor pled guilty as charged.  Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Justin Sanders is recommending a sentence of 8 years in prison.  "When teenagers mix alcohol, drugs, and driving, the results are obviously tragic," said Justin Sanders, "But I'm not sure prison will be as unpleasant as the knowledge that he killed his own cousin."  Final sentencing is set for July 28, 2008.  Taylor has remained in the Kenton County Detention Center since his arrest.
 
GUILTY  
Commonwealth v. Joseph Battle joseph battle
Judge: Bartlett
Prosecutor: Rob Sanders
Police Agency: Covington
 
On April 19, 2008 Covington Police Officer Justin Tucker and Robert Linton were working overtime in the City Heights Housing Project has part of a federally funded Community Development Block Grant.  The officers noticed an unusually high amount of traffic in and out of a residence on Muse Street and became suspicious of possible narcotic activity.  The officers stopped a vehicle that had just left the residence and spoke with the driver.  The officers then knocked on the door of the residence in an effort to verify the story given by the driver.  As they knocked, Crystal Wilson hurried towards the residence, telling officers that it was her residence apparently to stop their knocking.  It was, however, too little, too late.  Joseph Battle answered the door while smoking a marijuana "blunt".  Officers could also see more marijuana and a baggie of white powder on a table just inside the door. 
 
Tucker and Linton arrested both Battle and Wilson.  The white powder was determined to be heroin.  A search of the residence revealed a safe, the key to which was located in Battle's pocket.  Inside the safe, officers found another baggie of heroin, $1,005 in cash, and a loaded 9mm pistol.  Total amount of heroin recovered was 26.6 grams.  Also in the residence, officers located 2 digital scales, 3 cellular phones, a bulletproof vest, and a large supply of plastic baggies.  Battle, 26, listed his address at the residence on Muse but produced an Illinois driver's license.  He also claimed to be unemployed (legally anyway), but was found to have an additional $905 in his pocket.
 
Battle and Wilson were indicted by the Kenton County Grand Jury on June 5, 2008 for Trafficking in a Controlled Substance (heroin) while in possession of a firearm.  On June 25, 2008, Battle pled guilty as charged.  Commonwealth's Attorney Rob Sanders is recommending a 12 year sentence.  "Drugs and guns have always been a dangerous combination," said Sanders, "But bulletproof vests are becoming an alarming trend.  Obviously anyone outside who needs body armor is anticipating a shootout and that would be incredibly deadly in a crowded housing project!" 
 
Final sentencing is set for August 11, 2008 before Kenton Circuit Judge Gregory Bartlett.  Wilson pled not guilty and is due back in court July 3, 2008.  Both defendants remain in the Kenton County Detention Center.
 
Other Guilty Pleas & Sentencings  
Commonwealth v. Robert Huston robert huston
Judge: Sheehan
Prosecutor: James T. Redwine
Police Agency: Ludlow/Ft. Wright
 
On 6/24/08 Huston pled guilty to 4 counts of 1st Degree Robbery.  1st Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Jim Redwine is recommending a sentence of 14 years in prison.  Final sentencing is set for 7/29/08.
 
Commonwealth v. Timothy Wissmantimothy wissman 
Judge: Sheehan
Prosecutor: James T. Redwine
Police Agency: Covington
 
On 6/24/08 Wissman pled guilty to 2nd Degree Robbery without the benefit of a plea agreement.  Wissman faces 5-10 years at final sentencing on 7/28/08.
 
Commonwealth v. Keith Adams Jr.keith adams
Judge: Bartlett
Prosecutor: Amy Burke
Police Agency: Kenton Co. Child Support
 
On 6/25/08 Adams pled guilty to Flagrant Non-Support.  Adams faces 1-5 years at final sentencing on 8/11/08.
 
Commonwealth v. Michael Curtis michael curtis
Judge: Sheehan
Prosecutor: Joseph Meadows
Police Agency: Kenton Co. Sheriff
 
On 6/24/08 Curtis pled guilty to Possession of a Controlled Substance (cocaine).  Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Joe Meadows is recommending a sentence of 1 1/2 years in prison.  Final sentencing is set for 7/28/08.
 
Commonwealth v. Ricky Johnsonricky j johnson
Judge: Sheehan
Prosecutor: Sharif Abdrabbo
Police Agency: KY State Police
 
On 6/24/08 Johnson pled guilty to Possession of a Controlled Substance (cocaine).  Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Sharif Abdrabbo is recommending that Johnson, who has no felony record, be placed into the felony diversion program for 2 years.  Final sentencing is set for 7/28/08.
 
Commonwealth v. Joseph Zenosjoseph zenos
Judge: Sheehan
Prosecutor: Amy Burke
Police Agency: Kenton Co. Child Support
 
On 6/24/08 Zenos pled guilty to Flagrant Non-Support.  Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Amy Burke is recommending that Zenos, who has no felony record, be ordered into the felony diversion program for 5 years.  Final sentencing is set for 7/28/08.
 
Commonwealth v. Emily Alexanderemily alexander
Judge: Sheehan
Prosecutor: Amy Burke
Police Agency: Kenton Co. Child Support
 
On 6/24/08 Alexander pled guilty to Flagrant Non-Support.  Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Amy Burke is recommending a sentence of 3 years probated for 5 years.  Final sentencing is set for 7/28/08. 
 
Commonwealth v. Jason Harris aaron pinkleton
Judge: Sheehan
Prosecutor: Justin Sanders
Police Agency: Erlanger
 
On 5/20/08 Harris pled guilty to 2nd Degree Burglary.  Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Justin Sanders recommended a sentence of 5 years in prison.  On 6/24/08 Harris was sentenced to 5 years probated for 5 years and 9 months in the county jail. 
 
Commonwealth v. Douglas Haleaaron pinkleton
Judge: Bartlett
Prosecutor: Joseph Meadows 
Police Agency: Kenton CAO
 
On 5/14/08 Hale pled guilty to Bailjumping.  Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Joe Meadows recommended a sentence of 1 year in prison.  On 6/23/08 Hale was sentenced to 1 year in prison.
 
Commonwealth v. Curtis Raganaaron pinkleton
Judge: Bartlett
Prosecutor: Sharif Abdrabbo
Police Agency: Covington
 
On 5/27/08 Ragan pled guilty to Possession of a Controlled Substance (cocaine).  Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Sharif Abdrabbo recommended a sentence of 2 years in prison.  On 6/23/08 Ragan was sentenced to 2 years in prison.
 
Commonwealth v. Stephen Polesnak aaron pinkleton
Judge: Bartlett
Prosecutor: Rob Sanders
Police Agency: Covington
 
On 5/16/08 Polesnak pled guilty to Possession of a Controlled Substance.  Commonwealth's Attorney Rob Sanders is recommended a sentence of 2 years in prison.  On 6/23/08 Polesnak was sentenced to 2 years in prison.
 
Commonwealth v. Stephen Polesnakaaron pinkleton
Judge: Bartlett
Prosecutor: Rob Sanders
Police Agency: Covington
 
On 5/16/08 Polesnak pled guilty to Receiving Stolen Property (>$300) and 2nd Degree Fleeing Police. Commonwealth's Attorney Rob Sanders recommended a 3 year prison sentence, consecutive to all prior sentences.  On 6/23/08 Polesnak was sentenced to 3 years in prison consecutive to all prior sentences bringing Polesnak to a grand total of 10 years in prison.
 
Commonwealth v. Robert Hensley
aaron pinkleton
Judge: Bartlett
Prosecutor: Leanne Isler
Police Agency: Erlanger
 
On 5/14/08 Hensley pled guilty to Receiving Stolen Property.  Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Leanne Isler recommended a sentence of 1 1/2 years in prison.  On 6/23/08 Hensley was sentenced to 1/2 years in prison.
 
Commonwealth v. Dominic Brooksaaron pinkleton
Judge: Bartlett
Prosecutor: Sharif Abdrabbo
Police Agency: NKDSF
 
On 5/21/08 Brooks pled guilty to Trafficking in Marijuana (>5lbs).  Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Sharif Abdrabbo recommended a 6 year prison sentence.  On 6/23/08 Brooks was sentenced to 6 years in prison.
 
 
 
Commonwealth v. Peter Parsonsaaron pinkleton
Judge: Sheehan
Prosecutor: Sharif Abdrabbo
Police Agency: Covington
 
On 5/20/08 Parsons pled guilty to Possession of a Controlled Substance (cocaine).  Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Sharif Abdrabbo recommended a sentence of 1 year in prison.  On 6/24/08 Parsons was sentenced to 1 year in prison. 
 

Commonwealth v. Danielle Carnesaaron pinkleton
Judge: Sheehan
Prosecutor: Sharif Abdrabbo
Police Agency: Covington  
 
On 5/20/08 Carnes pled guilty to Welfare Fraud.  Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Leanne Isler recommended that Carnes, who has no felony record, be ordered into the felony diversion program for 2 years.  On 6/24/08 Carnes was ordered into the felony diversion program for 2 years.  Carnes faces 1-5 years if diversion fails. 
FAILED TO APPEAR/WANTED:  
Torina Jane Perkins torina perkins
Bond $5,000
Original Charge(s):
Poss. of a Forged Instrument
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rhonda Lowerhonda lowe
Bond: $unknown
Original Charge(s):
Probation Violation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ramon Humphreyramon humphrey
Bond: $5,000
Original Charge(s):
Flagrant Non-Support
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Marco Daileymarco dailey
Bond: $5,000
Original Charge(s):
Tampering With Evidence
Persistent Felony Offender
 
 
 
 
 
 
Floyd Jamesfloyd james
Bond: $5,000
Original Charge(s):
Receiving Stolen Property (>$300)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jason Walkerjason walker
Bond: $10,000
Original Charge(s):
Poss. of a Controlled Substance 
 
 
 
 
 
James Keeneyjames keeney
Bond: $5,000
Original Charge(s):
Tampering With Evidence
 
 
 
 
 
 
**Law Enforcement Should Confirm All Warrants.  Do not rely on this information alone.**
OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT NEWS!