ISSUE #757 - June 16, 2023 | |
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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Commonwealth v. Lauren Baker
Judge: Molloy
Prosecutor: Rob Sanders, Maria Wentz & Taylor Roof
Police Agency: Ludlow
There was mistake made regarding the identity of the Defendant for this article. The name of "Daniel Wilson" was shown in the description above instead of "Lauren Baker."
On April 21, 2023, at the conclusion of a week-long trial, a Kenton County jury took less than two hours to find Lauren Ashley Baker, 35, guilty of Murder, Importing Fentanyl, and two counts of Trafficking Fentanyl. During the sentencing portion of the trial on April 25, 2023, the same jury sentenced Baker to a total of thirty-three years in prison.
Baker was arrested by Ludlow Police on March 18, 2021 after first responders were called to her residence in the 200 block of Stokesay Street for an overdose. Ludlow Fire Department and Life Squad found Baker's twenty-four month old son, Jaxson Vogt, unconscious and unresponsive on Baker's bedroom floor. Ludlow Police officers found the contents of Baker's purse, including a sizable quantity of the deadly opioid drug, fentanyl, scattered across her bed. Police also discovered empty Narcan packaging as well.
Investigation by Ludlow Police Detective Jason Compton revealed Baker was home alone with the child while his father was at work. When the father returned home and woke Baker, she discovered her son's lifeless body in her lap. Baker screamed and the father of the boy called 911. Baker would later tell Compton she used her federal stimulus check to purchase $1,200 worth of fentanyl from a drug dealer in Cincinnati. Baker also admitted to sharing the fentanyl with Jaxson's father and another woman in Ludlow.
Commonwealth's Attorney Rob Sanders and Assistant Commonwealth's Attorneys Maria Wentz and Taylor Roof called 15 witnesses and presented over 90 pieces of evidence during the weeklong trial. Ludlow Fire Chief Mike Steward testified about emergency medical efforts to save Jaxson and remaining with him at Children's Hospital Medical Center for almost an hour while doctors continued efforts to save him. Ludlow Police Officers Eric Love and Sam Hodge testified about the crime scene, collecting Baker's bedding as evidence, and numerous items of drug paraphernalia found in Baker's bedroom. Compton's testimony included a video of Baker's questioning on the night her son died. Dr. Anne Laib from the Hamilton County Coroner's Office testified about Jaxon's overdose and ruled the case a homicide.
Jurors also heard testimony from Jaxon's father, who admitted using some of the fentanyl Baker purchased, another woman who also admitted using some fentanyl provided by Baker, and a different Ludlow woman who was paid $60 to drive Baker to Cincinnati when she purchased the deadly drugs.
On June 5, 2023, Baker appeared again before Judge Molloy for formal, final sentencing. The defense asked the judge to reduce the jury's sentence to the minimum of 20 years. Commonwealth's Attorney Sanders noted the jury was very thoughtful in their sentence because, while they did not recommend additional years in prison for the drug trafficking, they did recommend that the 5 year sentence for importing fentanyl into Kentucky be run consecutive to their 28 year sentence for murder. After arguments from both parties, Judge Molloy sentenced Baker to 33 years in prison, following the jury's recommendations.
Sanders, who refused to make any plea offers in the case, had asked the jury to send Baker to prison for Life. "Given the shocking and offensive facts surrounding Jaxson's death, if she was going to get anything less than a life sentence, it wasn't going to come from me," said Sanders. "This is Kenton County's first Murder conviction for an overdose death, so it's sadly historic," Sanders said. "The jury sent a strong message to drug abusing parents that they'll be held accountable for Murder if their child dies as a result of their drug use."
As a violent offender, Baker must serve at least twenty years in prison before being eligible for parole.
| GUILTY PLEAS AND SENTENCING: | |
Commonwealth v. Ryan Muschong
Judge: Lape
Prosecutor: Casey Burns
Police Agency: Villa Hills
On 6/7/23, Muschong pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Casey Burns recommended a sentence of 1 year in prison, probated for 2 years. Final sentencing is set for 8/8/23.
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Commonwealth v. Justin Holt
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: Patrick Grote
Police Agency: Covington
On 6/12/23, Holt pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (heroin). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Patrick Grote recommended a sentence of 1.5 years in prison. Final sentencing is set for 7/18/23.
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Commonwealth v. Justin Holt
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: Patrick Grote
Police Agency: Villa Hills
On 6/12/23, Holt pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (meth). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Patrick Grote recommended a sentence of 1.5 years in prison. Final sentencing is set for 7/18/23.
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Commonwealth v. Craig Gore
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: Patrick Grote
Police Agency: Covington
On 6/12/23, Gore pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (meth). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Patrick Grote recommended a sentence of 1 year in prison. Final sentencing is set for 7/18/23.
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Commonwealth v. Patricia Ailstock
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: Maria Wentz
Police Agency: Covington
On 6/12/23, Ailstock pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (heroin). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Maria Wentz recommended a sentence of 1 year in prison. Final sentencing is set for 7/18/23.
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Commonwealth v. Jose Garcia
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: Maria Wentz
Police Agency: Covington
On 6/12/23, Garcia pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (meth). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Maria Wentz recommended a sentence of 1 year in prison. Final sentencing is set for 7/18/23.
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Commonwealth v. Javante Foster
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: Patrick Grote
Police Agency: Covington
On 6/12/23, Foster pled guilty to Possession of Marijuana (with Firearm), Using Restricted Ammo during Felony (no Shots), and Possession of Controlled Substance (meth). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Patrick Grote recommended a sentence of 2.5 years in prison. Final sentencing is set for 7/18/23.
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Commonwealth v. Randal Hampton
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: Maria Wentz
Police Agency: Covington
On 6/12/23, Hampton pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (meth). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Maria Wentz recommended a sentence of 2 years in the felony diversion program. Final sentencing is set for 7/18/23.
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Commonwealth v. Calvin Gray
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: Taylor Roof
Police Agency: Villa Hills
On 6/12/23, Gray pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance. Gray faces 1-3 years at final sentencing. Final sentencing is set for 7/18/23.
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Commonwealth v. Brittany Whalen
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: Maria Wentz
Police Agency: Covington
On 6/12/23, Whalen pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (meth). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Maria Wentz recommended a sentence of 1 year in prison. Final sentencing is set for 7/18/23.
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Commonwealth v. Cassandra Jump
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: Patrick Grote
Police Agency: Erlanger
On 6/12/23, Jump pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (meth). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Patrick Grote recommended a sentence of 3 years in the felony diversion program. Final sentencing is set for 7/18/23.
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Commonwealth v. Stacy Pompilio
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: Maria Wentz
Police Agency: Covington
On 6/12/23, Pompilio pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (cocaine). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Maria Wentz recommended a sentence of 1 year in prison, probated for 2 years. Final sentencing is set for 7/18/23.
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Commonwealth v. Connie Breaden
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: Maria Wentz
Police Agency: Covington
On 6/12/23, Breaden 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 7/18/23.
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Commonwealth v. Antonio Coston
Judge: Lape
Prosecutor: Aaron Levinson
Police Agency: Covington
On 6/14/23, Coston pled guilty to Promoting Contraband. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Aaron Levinson recommended a sentence of 5 years in the felony diversion program. Final sentencing is set for 8/14/23.
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Commonwealth vs. Brian Haggard
Judge: Lape
Prosecutor: Taylor Roof
Police Agency: Elsmere
On 6/14/23, Haggard pled guilty to Strangulation 2nd Degree, Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon, and Assault 4th Degree (Domestic Violence). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Taylor Roof recommended a sentence of 5 years in prison. Final sentencing is set for 8/28/23.
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Commonwealth vs Nicholas Dean
Judge: Lape
Prosecutor: Aaron Levinson
Police Agency: Kenton Co. Sheriff's Dept.
On 6/14/23, Dean was pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (cocaine). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Aaron Levinson recommended a sentence of 1 year in prison, probated for 3 years. Final sentencing is set for 8/8/23.
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Commonwealth vs. Nicholas Dean
Judge: Lape
Prosecutor: Aaron Levinson
Police Agency: Covington
On 6/14/23, Dean pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (meth). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Aaron Levinson recommended a sentence of 1.5 years in prison, probated for 3 years. Final sentencing is set for 8/8/23.
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Commonwealth vs. Nicholas Dean
Judge: Lape
Prosecutor: Aaron Levinson
Police Agency: CAO
On 6/14/23, Dean pled guilty to Bail Jumping. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Aaron Levinson recommended a sentence of 1.5 years in prison, probated for 3 years. Final sentencing is set for 8/8/23.
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Commonwealth vs. Trevon Watts
Judge: Lape
Prosecutor: Corey Plybon
Police Agency: Elsmere
On 6/14/23, Watts pled guilty to Rape 3rd Degree. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Corey Plybon recommended a sentence of 5 years in prison. Final sentencing is set for 8/14/23.
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Commonwealth vs. Felicia Wood
Judge: Lape
Prosecutor: Taylor Roof
Police Agency: Covington
On 6/14/23, Wood 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. Final sentencing is set for 8/14/23.
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Commonwealth vs. Ricardo Castleman
Judge: Lape
Prosecutor: Maria Wentz
Police Agency: Ludlow
On 6/14/23, Castleman 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 8/14/23.
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Commonwealth v. Stacie Sullivan
Judge: Lape
Prosecutor: Rob Sanders
Police Agency: Covington
On 6/14/23, Sullivan pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (heroin). Commonwealth's Attorney Rob Sanders recommended a sentence of 3 years in prison, probated for 3 years. Final sentencing is set for 8/14/23.
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Commonwealth vs. James Fox, Jr.
Judge: Lape
Prosecutor: Patrick Grote
Police Agency: Covington
On 6/14/23, Fox pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (meth). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Patrick Grote recommended a sentence of 1 year in prison, probated for 2 years. Final sentencing is set for 8/14/23.
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Commonwealth v. Christopher Rose
Judge: Lape
Prosecutor: Maria Wentz
Police Agency: Covington
On 5/3/23, Rose pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (meth). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Maria Wentz recommended a sentence of 1 year in prison. On 6/12/23, Rose was sentenced to 1 year in prison, consecutive to other cases.
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Commonwealth v. Dakotah Duty
Judge: Lape
Prosecutor: Rob Sanders
Police Agency: Covington
On 4/5/23, Duty pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (cocaine). Commonwealth's Attorney Rob Sanders recommended a sentence of 1 year in prison. On 6/12/23, Duty was sentenced to 1 year in prison, consecutive to other cases.
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Commonwealth v. Ryan Wood
Judge: Lape
Prosecutor: Emily Arnzen
Police Agency: Covington
On 5/3/23, Wood pled guilty to 2 counts of Possession of Criminal Possession of Forged Instrument 2nd Degree. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Emily Arnzen recommended a sentence of 2.5 years in prison. On 6/12/23, Wood was sentenced to 2.5 years in prison.
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Commonwealth v. Cathy Hall
Judge: Lape
Prosecutor: Casey Burns
Police Agency: Covington
On 5/3/23, Hall pled guilty to Trafficking in Controlled Substance 1st Degree (<2g meth). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Casey Burns recommended a sentence of 3 years in prison. On 6/12/23, Hall was sentenced to 5 years in prison, probated for 5 years.
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Commonwealth v. Leslie Girton
Judge: Lape
Prosecutor: Casey Burns
Police Agency: Covington
On 4/26/23, Girton pled guilty to Prohibited Acts Related to Controlled Substance and Trafficking in Marijuana (with Gun). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Casey Burns recommended a sentence of 2.5 years in prison. On 6/12/23, Girton was sentenced to 4 years in prison, probated for 5 years.
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Commonwealth v. Kiandra Lockett
Judge: Lape
Prosecutor: Taylor Roof
Police Agency: Covington
On 5/3/23, Lockett pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (meth). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Taylor Roof recommended a sentence of 3 years in the felony diversion program. On 6/12/23, Lockett was sentenced to 3 years in the felony diversion program.
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Commonwealth v. Noah Bounds
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: Casey Burns
Police Agency: NKY Drug Strike Force
On 4/10/23, Bounds pled guilty to Prohibited Acts Related to Controlled Substance. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Casey Burns recommended a sentence of 2.5 years in prison. On 6/14/23, Bounds was sentenced to 2.5 years in prison, probated for 4 years.
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Commonwealth v. Jimicka Rice
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: Casey Burns
Police Agency: NKY Drug Strike Force
On 3/16/23, Rice plead guilty to Prohibited Acts Related to Controlled Substance. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney recommended a sentence of 5 years in prison. On 6/14/23, Rice was sentenced to 5 years in prison, probated for 5 years.
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Commonwealth v. Christopher Harden
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: Maria Wentz
Police Agency: Covington
On 2/13/23, Harden pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (meth). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Maria Wentz recommended a sentence of 3 years in prison, probated for 3 years. On 6/14/23, Harden was sentenced to 3 years in prison, probated for 3 years.
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Commonwealth v. Robert Carr
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: Casey Burns
Police Agency: Erlanger
On 4/10/23, Carr pled guilty to Prohibited Acts Related to Controlled Substance. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Casey Burns recommended a sentence of 4 years in the felony diversion program. On 6/14/23, Carr was sentenced to 4 years in the felony diversion program.
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Commonwealth v. Anthony Combs
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: Taylor Roof
Police Agency: Covington
On 4/10/23, Combs pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (meth). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Taylor Roof recommended a sentence of 3 years in the felony diversion program. On 6/14/23, Combs was sentenced to 3 years in the felony diversion program.
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Commonwealth v. Tymanda Keeney
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: Maria Wentz
Police Agency: Covington
On 4/10/23, Keeney pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (meth). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Maria Wentz recommended a sentence of 2 years in the felony diversion program. On 6/14/23, Keeney was sentenced to 2 years in the felony diversion program.
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Commonwealth v. Kujicagulia Barham
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: Casey Burns
Police Agency: Covington
On 4/10/23, Barham pled guilty to Possession of Marijuana (Enhanced). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Casey Burns recommended a sentence of 3 years in the felony diversion program. On 6/14/23, Barham was sentenced to 3 years in the felony diversion program.
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Commonwealth v. George Ross
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: Maria Wentz
Police Agency: Covington
On 4/10/23, Ross 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. On 6/14/23, Ross was sentenced to 1 year in prison, probated for 2 years.
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Commonwealth v. Angela Siffel
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: Maria Wentz
Police Agency: Independence
On 4/10/23, Siffel pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (meth). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Maria Wentz recommended a sentence of 2 years in the felony diversion program. On 6/14/23, Siffel was sentenced to 2 years in the felony diversion program.
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Commonwealth v. Tylor Fuson
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: Taylor Roof
Police Agency: Covington
On 2/20/23, Fuson pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (meth). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Taylor Roof recommended a sentence of 1 year in prison. On 6/14/23, Fuson was sentenced to 1 year in prison.
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Commonwealth v. Craig Mosier
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: Maria Wentz
Police Agency: Covington
On 4/10/23, Mosier pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (meth). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Maria Wentz recommended a sentence of 2 years in the felony diversion program. On 6/14/23, Mosier was sentenced to 2 years in the felony diversion program.
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Commonwealth v. David Coldiron
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: Maria Wentz
Police Agency: Covington
On 5/8/23, Coldiron pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Maria Wentz recommended a sentence of 1.5 years in prison, probated for 2 years. On 6/14/23, Coldiron was sentenced to 1.5 years in prison, probated for 2 years, consecutive to other cases.
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Commonwealth v. Jesse Huckleby
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: Rob Sanders
Police Agency: Covington
On 4/10/23, Huckleby pled guilty to Possession of Handgun by Convicted Felon, Wanton Endangerment 1st Degree, and DUI 1st Offense. Commonwealth's Attorney Rob Sanders recommended a sentence of 6 years in prison. On 6/14/23, Huckleby was sentenced to 6 years in prison.
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Commonwealth v. Thomas Loschiavo
Judge: Summe
Prosecutor: Casey Burns
Police Agency: Erlanger
On 4/10/23, Loschiavo pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (cocaine). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Casey Burns recommended a sentence of 2 years in the felony diversion program. On 6/14/23, Loschiavo was sentenced to 2 years in the felony diversion program.
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FAILED TO APPEAR - WANTED!
**Confirm All Warrants Before Arrest**
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Tanya Mathews
Original Charge(s):
Possession of Controlled Substance (x2)
Drug Paraphernalia
Possession of Open Alcohol Beverage Container in Motor Vehicle (Prohibited)
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Marroquin Velasquez
Original Charge(s):
Criminal Possession of Forged Instrument (x2)
Possession of Open Alcohol Beverage Container in Motor Vehicle (Prohibited)
Failure of Non-Owner Operator to Maintain Required Insurance
Operating Motor Vehicle under Influence Alcohol/Drugs/Etc
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Antwain Smith
Original Charge(s):
Possession of Handgun by Convicted Felon
Possession of Marijuana (Enhanced)
Possession of Controlled Substance
Persistent Felony Offender
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Brian Lawhorn
Original Charge(s):
Possession of Controlled Substance
Operating Motor Vehicle under Influence Alcohol/Drugs/Etc
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Robert Jones
Original Charge:
Possession of Controlled Substance
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Jesse Stir
Original Charge(s):
Possession of Controlled Substance
Menacing
Disorderly Conduct
Resisting Arrest
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Michael Day
Original Charge:
Possession of Controlled Substance
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Deanna Chambers
Original Charge:
Possession of Controlled Substance
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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! |
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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If your department, organization, church group, neighborhood association, school, club, scout troup, or any other collection of people would like a FREE training or presentation on any topic related to the Commonwealth's Attorney Office, prosecution, and/or the criminal justice system in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, please call (859) 292-6580 or email rsanders@prosecutors.ky.gov
This Offer Has No Expiration Date
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![This Week in Kenton Circuit Court. [Kenton County Commonwealth's Attorney Office Seal - circular. "Commonwealth of Kentucky," "United We Stand Divided We Fall."] From the Office of Rob Sanders [headshot of Rob Sanders]. Commonwealth's Attorney; 16th Judici](https://files.constantcontact.com/151b81c8001/3f1362be-52cd-4726-9149-e4b8794f9ea3.jpg?rdr=true)
