ISSUE #731 - Dec. 2, 2022 |
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 rsanders@prosecutors.ky.gov.
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GUILTY VERDICT:
Commonwealth v. Johiem M. Bandy
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: Rob Sanders
Police Agency: Covington
On April 7, 2022 a woman in the City Heights Housing Project called 911 after hearing an altercation in her next door neighbor's apartment that spilled outside. The caller said she looked out the front door and saw a man holding her neighbor by the hair and punching her in the face. Covington Police Officers Raven Cain and Joshua Knott responded to the scene. The officers found a 22-year-old mother of one suffering from minor injuries and very shaken up. She told officers she had been punched and choked by a person known to her as Johiem Bandy. The officers transported the woman to St. Elizabeth Medical Center for treatment.
The case was assigned to Covington Police Detective Greg Andrews who quickly learned Bandy was already wanted on a previous assault and strangulation warrant obtained by a different detective for an attack on a different woman. Andrews interviewed the victim who said she was unsure about cooperating with police out of fear of Bandy. Eventually the woman provided Andrews with a complete account of the attack. She said Bandy repeatedly asked her for money but she declined. Bandy grew upset when the woman kept him waiting at a ATM machine but never gave him money. She said Bandy then returned to her residence and grew increasingly agitated prompting her to call her mother in hopes he would not do anything violent with her mother on the phone. Instead, Bandy grabbed the phone from her and began hitting her. She said when she screamed to her mother for help, Bandy placed both hands on her throat and began to squeeze until she thought she was going to pass out. As the woman tried to defend herself, the altercation moved down her stairs and out the front door. The woman said Bandy was punching her in the face and head with both fists until her neighbor announced she was calling the police. Bandy then smashed the victim's iPhone on the ground and ran away before police arrived. Andrews also interviewed the victim's mother who confirmed she heard much of the assault taking place before the phone went dead.
Days later Covington Police responded again to City Heights for a subject shot in the neck. Officers found Bandy suffering from a gunshot wound. Bandy was taken to University of Cincinnati Medical Center for treatment of the wound before being arrested on his outstanding warrants. Investigators determined Bandy was shot by yet another woman who alleged he strangled her. Charges were also filed against Bandy in the third case.
Bandy was extradited back to Kentucky where he was indicted in three separate cases. The case for the strangulation and assault reported on April 7th was called to trial on November 29, 2022 before Kenton Circuit Judge Patricia Summe. Commonwealth's Attorney Rob Sanders presented testimony from the victim, her mother, Officer Cain, Officer Knott, Detective Andrews, and Selena McCormick, a forensic nurse from St. Elizabeth Medical Center who documented numerous injuries on the victim including hemorrhaging in her eyes consistent with strangulation. The jury deliberated for approximately 45 minutes before convicting Bandy of Strangulation 2nd Degree, Assault 4th Degree, and Criminal Mischief 2nd Degree.
During a sentencing hearing, the jury learned Bandy had previously been prosecuted and convicted as an adult in 2018 for 1st Degree Robbery and 1st Degree Assault committed while he was a juvenile. Bandy received a 13 year term of incarceration for the violent offenses which would normally mean service of 85% of the sentence before being eligible for parole. Bandy was only out of prison because he received one of several hundred pardons issued by former Kentucky Governor Matthew Bevin in the closing hours of his single term in office after being defeated in a failed bid for re-election. Bandy was released with no supervision despite serving less than a year after his sentencing. The jury need less than 10 minutes before recommending the maximum 5 year prison sentence on the Strangulation 2nd Degree charge. The other 2 charges are misdemeanors and will add no time to Bandy's sentence. Shockingly, Strangulation is a "non-violent" offense under Kentucky law meaning Bandy must only serve 15% of the sentence before being parole eligible.
"Mr. Bandy should never have been out from behind bars to commit this crime," said Commonwealth's Attorney Rob Sanders. "The pardon granted to him was foolish and it almost resulted in the death of this young mother," said Sanders. "Fortunately, thanks to her bravery in taking the witness stand, Bandy is back behind bars and will hopefully be there a long time before we're done," Sanders said. The prosecutor also encouraged anyone who thinks Strangulation should be a "violent offense" under Kentucky law to contact your legislator and urge them to fix the law.
Final sentencing on this case is scheduled for January 31, 2023. Bandy's second trial is scheduled for February 8, 2023. Trial on his third case has not yet been scheduled.
| GUILTY PLEAS AND SENTENCING: |
Commonwealth v. Trisha Thomas
Judge: Molloy
Prosecutor: Emily Arnzen
Police Agency: Kenton Co. Police
On 11/23/22, Thomas pled guilty to Fleeing/Evading Police 1st Degree, Criminal Mischief 1st Degree, Possession of Controlled Substance (heroin), and DUI. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Emily Arnzen recommended a sentence of 5 years in prison. Final sentencing is set for 1/23/23.
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Commonwealth v. Joseph Doyen-Rachford
Judge: Molloy
Prosecutor: Maria Wentz
Police Agency: Erlanger
On 11/23/22, Doyen-Rachford pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Maria Wentz recommended a sentence of 2 years in the felony diversion program. Final sentencing is set for 12/12/22.
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Commonwealth v. James Rowe
Judge: Molloy
Prosecutor: Emily Arnzen
Police Agency: Kenton Co. Police
On 11/23/22, Rowe pled guilty to Strangulation 2nd Degree and Assault 3rd Degree. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Emily Arnzen recommended a sentence of 15 years in prison. Final sentencing is set for 1/9/23.
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Commonwealth v. Kiara Trautman
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: Patrick Grote
Police Agency: Covington
On 11/28/22, Trautman pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (meth). Trautman faces 1 to 3 years in prison. Final sentencing is set for 1/10/23.
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Commonwealth v. Christopher Merrill
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: Emily Arnzen
Police Agency: Covington
On 11/28/22, Merrill pled guilty to Wanton Endangerment 1st Degree, Assault 3rd Degree, Possession of Controlled Substance, and DUI. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Emily Arnzen recommended a sentence of 3 years in prison. Final sentencing is set for 12/5/22.
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Commonwealth v. Quenton Abell
Judge: Lape
Prosecutor: Noah Wentz
Police Agency: Erlanger
On 11/28/22, Abell pled guilty to Assault 2nd Degree and Wanton Endangerment 1st Degree. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Noah Wentz recommended a sentence of 5 years in prison. Final sentencing is set for 1/30/23.
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Commonwealth v. Jennifer Landrum
Judge: Lape
Prosecutor: Maria Wentz
Police Agency: Covington
On 11/30/22, Landrum pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Maria Wentz recommended a sentence of 1 year in prison. Final sentencing is set for 2/13/23.
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Commonwealth v. Jennifer Landrum
Judge: Lape
Prosecutor: Maria Wentz
Police Agency: CAO
On 11/30/22, Landrum pled guilty to Bail Jumping. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Maria Wentz recommended a sentence of 2 years in prison. Final sentencing is set for 2/13/23.
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Commonwealth v. Debra Snapp
Judge: Lape
Prosecutor: Taylor Roof
Police Agency: Covington
On 11/30/22, Snapp pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (cocaine). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Taylor Roof recommended a sentence of 1.5 years in prison, probated for 3 years. Final sentencing is set for 1/30/23.
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Commonwealth v. Branden Evans
Judge: Lape
Prosecutor: Casey Burns
Police Agency: NKY Drug Strike Force
On 11/30/22, Evans pled guilty to Trafficking in Controlled Substance 1st Degree (meth), Trafficking Marijuana, Possession of Handgun by Convicted Felon, and Persistent Felony Offender 1st Degree. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Casey Burns recommended a sentence of 12 years in prison. Final sentencing is set for 2/13/23.
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Commonwealth v. Jackson Rider
Judge: Lape
Prosecutor: Emily Arnzen
Police Agency: Covington
On 11/30/22, Rider pled guilty to Fleeing/Evading Police 1st Degree, Wanton Endangerment 1st Degree, Criminal Mischief 3rd Degree, and DUI. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Emily Arnzen recommended a sentence of 7 years in prison. Final sentencing is set for 2/13/23.
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Commonwealth v. Ronald Karr
Judge: Lape
Prosecutor: Maria Wentz
Police Agency: Erlanger
On 11/30/22, Karr pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (meth). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Maria Wentz recommended a sentence of 1 year in prison, probated for 2 years. Final sentencing is set for 2/13/23.
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Commonwealth v. Joseph Reese
Judge: Lape
Prosecutor: Patrick Grote
Police Agency: NKY Drug Strike Force
On 11/30/22, Reese pled guilty to Prohibited Acts Related to Controlled Substances and Possession of Controlled Substance (heroin). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Patrick Grote recommended a sentence of 3 years in prison, probated for 5 years. Final sentencing is set for 2/13/23.
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Commonwealth v. Brian Mooneyham
Judge: Lape
Prosecutor: Maria Wentz
Police Agency: Covington
On 11/30/22, Mooneyham pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Maria Wentz recommended a sentence of 1 year in prison, probated for 2 years. Final sentencing is set for 2/13/23.
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Commonwealth v. Adam Black
Judge: Molloy
Prosecutor: Kate Homan
Police Agency: Erlanger
On 11/23/22, Black pled guilty to Theft by Unlawful Taking (>$1,000). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Kate Homan recommended a sentence of 3 years in the felony diversion program. On 11/23/22, Black was sentenced to 3 years in the felony diversion program.
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Commonwealth v. Brittany Hinton
Judge: Molloy
Prosecutor: Taylor Roof
Police Agency: Covington
On 11/23/22, Hinton pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (fentanyl). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Taylor Roof recommended a sentence of 3 years in the felony diversion program. On 11/23/22, Hinton was sentenced to 3 years in the felony diversion program.
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Commonwealth v. Courtney Burke
Judge: Molloy
Prosecutor: Maria Wentz
Police Agency: Covington
On 11/23/22, Burke pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Maria Wentz recommended a sentence of 1.5 years in prison, probated for 3 years. On 11/23/22, Burke was sentenced to 1.5 years in prison, probated for 3 years.
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Commonwealth v. Dioni Benavides
Judge: Molloy
Prosecutor: Casey Burns
Police Agency: Covington
On 11/23/22, Benavides pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (meth). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Casey Burns recommended a sentence of 2 year in the felony diversion program. On 11/23/22, Benavides was sentenced to 2 years in the felony diversion program.
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Commonwealth v. Kimberly Bonham
Judge: Molloy
Prosecutor: Maria Wentz
Police Agency: Ft. Wright
On 11/23/22, Bonham pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Maria Wentz recommended a sentence of 1 year in prison, probated for 2 years. On 11/23/22, Bonham was sentenced to 1 year in prison, probated for 2 years.
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Commonwealth v. Nathan Nickell
Judge: Lape
Prosecutor: Kate Homan
Police Agency: Villa Hills
On 11/30/22, Nickell pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (meth). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Kate Homan recommended a sentence of 1 year in prison. On 11/30/22, Nickell was sentenced to 1 year in prison.
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Commonwealth v. Daniel Ball
Judge: Lape
Prosecutor: Maria Wentz
Police Agency: Covington
On 9/28/22, Ball pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (meth). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Maria Wentz recommended a sentence of 2 years in prison, probated for 3 years. On 11/28/22, Ball was sentenced to 2 years in prison, probated for 3 years.
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Commonwealth v. Michele Harris
Judge: Lape
Prosecutor: Casey Burns
Police Agency: NKY Drug Strike Force
On 9/21/22, Harris pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (meth). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Casey Burns recommended a sentence of 3 years in the felony diversion program. On 11/28/22, Harris was sentenced to 3 years in the felony diversion program.
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Commonwealth v. Tasha Stanton
Judge: Lape
Prosecutor: Taylor Roof
Police Agency: Covington
On 9/28/22, Stanton pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (meth). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Taylor Roof recommended a sentence of 1.5 years in prison, probated for 3 years. On 11/28/22, Stanton was sentenced to 1.5 years in prison, probated for 3 years.
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Commonwealth v. Chester Gay
Judge: Lape
Prosecutor: Casey Burns
Police Agency: Covington
On 9/21/22, Gay pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (fentanyl). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Casey Burns recommended a sentence of 2 years in prison, probated for 4 years. On 11/28/22, Gay was sentenced to 2 years in prison, probated for 3 years, consecutive to other cases.
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Commonwealth v. Chester Gay
Judge: Lape
Prosecutor: Casey Burns
Police Agency: CAO
On 9/21/22, Gay pled guilty to Bail Jumping. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Casey Burns recommended a sentence of 2 years in prison, probated for 3 years. On 11/28/22, Gay was sentenced to 2 years in prison, probated for 4 years, consecutive to other cases.
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Commonwealth v. Trucker Kruse
Judge: Lape
Prosecutor: Maria Wentz
Police Agency: NKY Drug Strike Force
On 9/21/22, Kruse pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (meth). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Maria Wentz recommended a sentence of 3 years in the felony diversion program. On 11/28/22, Kruse was sentenced to 3 years in the felony diversion program.
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Commonwealth v. Robin Perez
Judge: Lape
Prosecutor: Kate Homan
Police Agency: Covington
On 11/2/22, Perez pled guilty to Custodial Interference. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Kate Homan recommended a sentence of 4 years in the felony diversion program. On 11/28/22, Perez was sentenced to 4 years in the felony diversion program.
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Commonwealth v. Brandon Broussard
Judge: Lape
Prosecutor: Taylor Roof
Police Agency: Covington
On 9/21/22, Broussard pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (cocaine). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Taylor Roof recommended a sentence of 1 year in prison, probated for 2 years. On 11/28/22, Broussard was sentenced to 1 year in prison, probated for 2 years.
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Commonwealth v. Melissa Carpenter
Judge: Lape
Prosecutor: Patrick Grote
Police Agency: Villa Hills
On 9/28/22, Carpenter pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (meth/heroin). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Patrick Grote recommended a sentence of 1.5 years in prison, probated for 3 years. On 11/28/22, Carpenter was sentenced to 1.5 years in prison, probated for 3 years.
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Commonwealth v. Joshua Ellis
Judge: Lape
Prosecutor: Casey Burns
Police Agency: Covington
On 9/28/22, Ellis pled guilty to Prohibited Acts Related to Controlled Substances. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Casey Burns recommended a sentence of 4 years in prison. On 11/28/22, Ellis was sentenced to 4 years in prison, consecutive to other cases.
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Commonwealth v. Joshua Ellis
Judge: Lape
Prosecutor: Casey Burns
Police Agency: CAO
On 9/28/22, Ellis pled guilty to Bail Jumping. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Casey Burns recommended a sentence of 1 year in prison. On 11/28/22, Ellis was sentenced to 1 year in prison, consecutive to other cases.
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Commonwealth v. Joshua Ellis
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: Casey Burns
Police Agency: Kenton Co. Detention Ctr.
On 9/28/22, Ellis pled guilty to Tampering with Prisoner Monitoring Device and Escape 2nd Degree. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Casey Burns recommended a sentence of 2 years in prison. On 11/28/22, Ellis was sentenced to 1 year in prison, consecutive to other cases.
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Commonwealth v. Shawn Gifford
Judge: Molloy
Prosecutor: Noah Wentz
Police Agency: Ft. Mitchell
On 2/26/21, Gifford pled guilty to Burglary 3rd Degree and Fraudulent Use of Credit Card. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Noah Wentz recommended a sentence of 5 years in prison. On 11/28/22, Gifford was sentenced to 5 years in prison.
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Commonwealth v. Tracy Hubbard
Judge: Molloy
Prosecutor: Emily Arnzen
Police Agency: Covington
On 9/22/22, Hubbard pled guilty to Possession Matter Portraying Sexual Performance By a Minor. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Emily Arnzen recommended a sentence of 12 years in prison. On 11/28/22, Hubbard was sentenced to 12 years in prison.
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Commonwealth v. Douglas Price
Judge: Molloy
Prosecutor: Noah Wentz
Police Agency: Covington
On 7/14/22, Price pled guilty to Trafficking in Controlled Substance (meth). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Noah Wentz recommended a sentence of 5 years in prison. On 11/28/22, Price was sentenced to 5 years in prison, probated for 5 years.
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Commonwealth v. Nikelei Bly
Judge: Molloy
Prosecutor: Noah Wentz
Police Agency: Covington
On 10/6/22, Bly pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (meth). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Noah Wentz recommended a sentence of 2 years in the felony diversion program. On 11/28/22, Bly was sentenced to 2 years in the felony diversion program.
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Commonwealth v. Jerome Casey
Judge: Molloy
Prosecutor: Rob Sanders
Police Agency: Villa Hills
On 9/8/22, Casey pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (cocaine). Commonwealth's Attorney Rob Sanders recommended a sentence of 1 year in prison. On 11/28/22, Casey was sentenced to 1 year in prison.
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Commonwealth v. David Huber
Judge: Molloy
Prosecutor: Maria Wentz
Police Agency: Erlanger
On 9/29/22, Huber pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance and Theft of Identity. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Maria Wentz recommended a sentence of 3 years in prison, probated for 3 years. On 11/28/22, Huber was sentenced to 3 years in prison, probated for 3 years.
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Commonwealth v. Branden Moore
Judge: Molloy
Prosecutor: Maria Wentz
Police Agency: Erlanger
On 9/29/22, Moore pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Maria Wentz recommended a sentence of 1 year in prison, probated for 2 years. On 11/28/22, Moore was sentenced to 1 year in prison, probated for 2 years.
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Commonwealth v. Jessica Wells
Judge: Molloy
Prosecutor: Patrick Grote
Police Agency: Covington
On 9/29/22, Wells pled guilty to Receiving Stolen Property ($10,000 or more). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Patrick Grote recommended a sentence of 5 years in prison, probated for 5 years. On 11/28/22, Wells was sentenced to 5 years in prison, probated for 5 years.
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Commonwealth v. Justin Hollingsworth
Judge: Molloy
Prosecutor: Aaron Levinson
Police Agency: Covington
On 7/28/22, Hollingsworth pled guilty to Burglary 3rd Degree. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Aaron Levinson recommended a sentence of 5 years in prison. On 11/28/22, Hollingsworth was sentenced to 5 years in prison, probated for 5 years.
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Commonwealth v. Christopher Goerke
Judge: Molloy
Prosecutor: Emily Arnzen
Police Agency: Covington
On 10/6/22, Goerke pled guilty to Assault 3rd Degree and Assault 3rd Degree (Bodily Fluid On A Corrections Officer) . Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Emily Arnzen recommended a sentence of 5 years in prison. On 11/28/22, Goerke was sentenced to 5 years in prison.
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Commonwealth v. Dustin Woehler
Judge: Molloy
Prosecutor: Noah Wentz
Police Agency: Covington
On 10/6/22, Woehler pled guilty to Trafficking in Controlled Substance (<2g meth) 1st Degree. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Noah Wentz recommended a sentence of 4 years in prison. On 11/28/22, Woehler was sentenced to 4 years in prison, probated for 5 years.
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Commonwealth v. Samantha Hicks
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: Corey Plybon
Police Agency: Covington
On 12/20/21, Hicks pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (cocaine). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Corey Plybon recommended a sentence of 1 year in prison. On 11/28/22, Hicks was sentenced to 1 year in prison, consecutive to other cases.
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Commonwealth v. Toni Johnson
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: Maria Wentz
Police Agency: Covington
On 10/10/22, Johnson pled guilty to Assault under Extreme Emotional Distress. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Maria Wentz recommended a sentence of 5 years in prison. On 11/28/22, Johnson was sentenced to 5 years in prison.
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FAILED TO APPEAR - WANTED!
**Confirm All Warrants Before Arrest**
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Robert Harrington
Original Charge:
Possession of Controlled Substance
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Hayley Miller
Original Charge:
Possession of Controlled Substance
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Holton Wolfe
Original Charge:
Possession of Controlled Substance
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Jay Brown
Original Charge(s):
Theft by Unlawful Taking or Dispensing Auto ($500 or more but under $10,000)
Receiving Stolen Property (under $10,000)
Theft by Unlawful Taking or Dispensing all Others ($1,000 <$10,000)
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Teresa Hughes
Original Charge(s):
Criminal Mischief
Theft by Unlawful Taking or Dispensing all Others ($1,000 <$10,000)
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Thank you for taking the time to stay informed about criminal justice in Kenton County.
Sincerely,
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Rob Sanders
Commonwealth's Attorney Office
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Report Suspected Child Abuse!
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Kentucky Child/Adult Protective Services Reporting:
1-877-KY SAFE1 (nights/weekends)
1-800-CHILDREN (Parent Help Line)
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Need Help Getting Life Together?
The Life Learning Center is committed to building a caring and serving community by helping people learn, secure and sustain a better way of living through education and care support.
The Life Learning Center delivers The Foundations for a Better Life™ 12-week program that focuses on addressing five domains of life: physical, financial, spiritual, emotional, and relational. These on-going barriers often derive from the addiction epidemic, increased incarceration, and childhood poverty rates which are rising in our local tristate area. These factors directly hinder an individual's ability to generate an income for their family, leaving citizens "at-risk" hopeless and unemployable.
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You or Someone You Care About Dealing With Addiction But Don't Know Where To Turn?
NEW NKY Substance Abuse Hotline Call:
859-415-9280
For more information about obtaining a free Narcan overdose reversal kit, click here.
For more information about filing a "Casey's Law" petition to force an addicted loved-one into treatment, click here.
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