UPDATE

Watauga County District Court Report
By Melanis Davis
melanie@mountaintimes.com

Feb. 29

District court Judge Donald Boone presiding and Charlene Norris prosecuting on behalf of the state.

A charge of contributing to the delinquency of a minor was dismissed against Charlotte L. Bennett, 43, of 110 Winter Drive Apt. 40, Boone, due to compliance with conditions previously set by the court.

Charges of resisting public officer and consuming alcohol while underage were dismissed against Molly Jean Bentley, 21, of 218 Classic Court, Mount Holly, due to compliance with conditions previously set by the court.

An order for arrest was issued for Roy Douglas Bracey, 23, of 9227 Haystack Road, Thurmond, for failure to appear on a misdemeanor probation violation.

Peggy Wagner Brown, 32, of 4120 Roan Creek Road, Mountain City, Tenn., pleaded guilty to selling or distributing tobacco products to a minor. She was sentenced to 30 days in jail, suspended, two years unsupervised probation, and assessed court costs.

A prayer for judgment continued was granted to Ryan Michael Bunch, 21, of 1270 Chester Road, Winston Salem, on a charge of driving after consuming alcohol while underage.

A prayer for judgment continued was granted to Joseph Rhett Clark, 21, of 8 Chatam Lane, Columbia, S.C., on a charge of driving after consuming alcohol while underage.

Pamela Corum, 25, of 202 Ella”s Way, Zionville, pleaded guilty to simple possession of a schedule IV controlled substance. She was sentenced to 45 days in jail to be served concurrent with her remaining sentence service on four admitted probation violations.

David Ron Davila, 22, of 1280 Old Jonas Ridge Road, Blowing Rock, admitted four misdemeanor probation violations. His probation was extended and he sentenced to eight days active.
An order for arrest was issued for David Charles Deiters, 34, of 2857 Pond Road, Ronkonkoma, N.Y., for failure to appear on a charge of simple assault. A $5,000 cash bond was set.

Jack Dunn III, 30, of 281 Hill St., Blowing Rock, admitted a misdemeanor probation violation. His probation was extended by one year and changed to intensive.

An order for arrest was issued for Brandon James Fate, 20, of 3118 Sedgefield Gate, Greensboro, for failure to appear on a charge of driving after consuming alcohol while under 21. A $500 cash bond was set.

A charge of selling or distributing tobacco products to a minor was dismissed against Russell Marcus Gupton, 37, of 134 Mac St. Apt. 11, Boone, due to compliance with conditions previously set by the court.

Two charges of simple possession of a schedule IV controlled substance were dismissed against Timothy David Helton, 29, of 517 Southlynn Ave., Elizabethton, Tenn., due to compliance with conditions previously set by the court.

Charges possession of marijuana up to one half ounce and possession of drug paraphernalia were dismissed against Shaun Michael Holder, 19, of 4838 Bethel Road, Sugar Grove, due to compliance with conditions previously set by the court.

A charge of possession of marijuana up to one half ounce was dismissed against Mitchell Randolph Ivey, 20, of 202 Powell Road, Mocksville, due to compliance with conditions previously set by the court.

A charge of assault on a female was dismissed against Jerry Clyde Jones, 53, of 491 Valle Trail, Banner Elk, due to compliance with conditions previously set by the court.
Kasey Elizabeth Layton, 18, of 3590 Tanglebrook Trail, Clemmons, pleaded guilty to possession of marijuana up to one half ounce, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of alcohol by an underage person. Sentencing was consolidated into 10 days in jail, suspended, and two years unsupervised probation.

An order for arrest was issued for Salvador Guzman Mina, 30, of 812 Olesprin Lane, Raleigh, for failure to appear on charges of driving while impaired and misdemeanor probation violation. A $2,000 cash bond was set.

A charge of drinking beer or wine while driving was dismissed against Franklin Ray Morrison, 23, of 550 Yuma Court, Sumpter, S.C., due to compliance with conditions previously set by the court.

Two charges of possession with intent to sell or deliver a schedule II controlled substance were dismissed against Ralph Bolding Palmer, 47, of 3053 Castle Ford Road, Boone, due to compliance with conditions previously set by the court.

Timothy Ian Parker, 17, of 4465 N.C. 194, Boone, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor larceny. He was sentenced to 45 days in jail, suspended, 12 months supervised probation and assessed court costs.

Billy Corwin Pearson, 40, of 263 Junaluska Road, Boone, pleaded guilty to driving while license revoked. He was sentenced to 45 days in jail, suspended, 24 months unsupervised probation, and assessed a $100 fine, court costs, and $75 in court-appointed attorney fees.

Feb. 28

District court Judge R. Gregory Horne presiding and Charlene Norris prosecuting on behalf of the state.

Christopher Brubaker, 18, of 134 Oak Leaf Trail, Boone, pleaded guilty to a reduced speeding charge, from 82 mph to 79 mph in a 55 mph zone. He was sentenced to 27 hours of community service. Charges of reckless driving to endanger and failure to comply with license restrictions were dismissed.

Mark Alan Gorin, 45, of 4696 Meat Camp Road, Todd, pleaded guilty to driving while impaired. He was sentenced to 12 months in jail, suspended with eight days active to be served over three extended weekends, 18 months supervised probation, and assessed court costs, a $300 fine, and $187.50 in court-appointed attorney fees. Gorin also pleaded guilty to two charges of driving while license revoked. Sentencing on these two charges was 120 days in jail, suspended, an additional 18 months supervised probation, and assessed a $100 fine and court costs. A license plate violation was dismissed.

Sara Lauren Hawkins, 19, of 3509 Hanstead Road, Durham, pleaded guilty to driving while impaired. She was sentenced to 30 days in jail, suspended, 12 months unsupervised probation, 24 hours of community service to be completed within 60 days, and assessed a $100 fine and court costs. Charges of driving after consuming alcohol while underage and exceeding safe speed were dismissed.

Kenneth Ray Lunceford, 28, of 1255 Old Bristol Road Apt. 1, Boone, pleaded guilty to hit and run, failure to stop, with property damage. He was sentenced to 30 days in jail, suspended, 12 months unsupervised probation, and assessed a $50 fine and court costs. Charges of driving left of center, resisting public officer and failure to report an accident were dismissed.
Meredith B. Minton, 19, of 393 Ridgecrest St., Wilkesboro, pleaded guilty to hit and run, leaving the scene, with property damage. A prayer for judgment continued was granted. A charge of unsafe movement was dismissed.

Jared William Pardue, 28, of 376 Mabel School Road, Zionville, pleaded guilty to a reduced speeding charge, from 60 mph to 54 mph in a 45 mph zone and a second speeding charge. He was assessed $50 in fines and court costs. Charges of driving while license revoked, a second driver”s license violation and failure to wear a seatbelt were dismissed.

Luis S. Ponce Jose, 22, of 111 Laurel View Lane, Wilkesboro, pleaded guilty to charges of no operator”s license, reckless driving to endanger, and driving left of center. Sentencing was consolidated to 30 days, suspended, 12 months unsupervised probation, and assessed a $100 fine and court costs. Ponce Jose also pleaded guilty to failure to report an accident. Sentencing on this charge was an additional 30 days in jail, suspended and 12 months unsupervised probation to run at the expiration of the previous sentence.

Clayton C. Presnell, 29, of 841 Trivette Circle, Sugar Grove, pleaded guilty to driving while license revoked. He was sentenced to 120 days in jail, suspended, 12 months supervised probation, and assessed court costs and a $50 fine. A registration violation and a license plate violation were dismissed.

Dustin Todd Soileau, 21, of 523 Blowing Rock Road Apt. 21, Boone, pleaded guilty to driving while license revoked. He was sentenced to 30 days in jail, suspended, 12 months unsupervised probation, and assessed a $100 fine and court costs. A charge of failure to burn headlamps was dismissed.

Jacob Louis Uziel, 21, of 804 Claymore Court, Reidsville, was found guilty of driving while impaired and failure to stop at a stop sign or flashing red light. Sentencing was consolidated into 24 months in jail, suspended, 30 days active to be served on weekends, 18 months supervised probation, and assessed court costs, a $400 fine and jail fees. Uziel was also found guilty of driving while license revoked. He was sentenced to an addition 45 days in jail, suspended, 18 months supervised probation to run at the expiration of the previous charge, and assessed a second court cost.

Walker Alan Berry, 22, of 3603 Wynnewood Drive, Greensboro, was found responsible for exceeding posted speed. He was assesesd a $25 fine and court costs. A charge of failure to report an accident was dismissed.

Vanessa Jean Britt, 33, of 193 Rippling Water Lane, Boone, pleaded guilty to driving while license revoked and possession of an altered or fictitious driver”s license. Sentencing was consolidated into 45 days in jail, suspended, 12 months unsupervised probation, and assessed court costs and a $50 fine.

Feb. 27

District court judge R. Gregory Horne presiding and Charlene Norris prosecuting on behalf of the state.
Charges of possession of marijuana up to one half ounce and possession of drug paraphernalia were dismissed against Mary Katherine Bacon, 25, of 248 Knowles Haven Lane, Boone, due to compliance with conditions previously set by the court.

Charges of possession of marijuana up to one half ounce and possession of drug paraphernalia were dismissed against George Leon Bergeron, 23, of 8717 Kenilworth Drive, Springfield, Va.

David Scott Brunson, 27, of 218 Tarlton Circle, Boone, pleaded guilty to driving while license revoked. He was sentenced to 75 days in jail, suspended, 12 months unsupervised probation, and assessed a $100 fine and court costs.

Daniel M. Hartsell, 21, of 109 North 5th St., Albemarle, was found guilty to driving while impaired. A motion by defense to dismiss at the close of state's evidence was denied. Hartsell was sentenced to 30 days in jail, suspended, 12 months unsupervised probation, 24 hours community service to be completed within 45 days, and assessed court costs and a $100 fine.

Andrew Michael Martin, 21, of 8420-B Steamview Drive, Huntersville, pleaded guilty to driving while impaired, driving after consuming alcohol while underage, failure to stop at a stop sign/flashing red light and driving left of center. He was sentenced to 120 days in jail, suspended, 18 months unsupervised probation, 48 hours of community service to be completed in 75 days, and assessed $150 in fines and two court costs.

Two charges of possession with intent to sell/deliver cocaine were dismissed against Emery Askie Nagbe, age unlisted, of 224 Quail St. Apt. 1, Boone.

Charges of resisting public officer and drunk and disruptive behavior were dismissed against Alyssa Lynne Pugh, 21, of 3604 Comeargh Court, Clemmons, due to compliance with conditions previously set by the court.

A charge of reckless driving with wanton disregard was dismissed against Floretta Ritch, 47, of 190 Preacher Billings Road, Banner Elk.

Ronald James Wilson, 47, of 2833 Andrews Drive SW, Holden Beach, pleaded guilty to driving while license revoked and failure to wear a seat belt. Sentencing was consolidated into 120 days in jail, suspended, 12 months supervised probation, and assessed a $100 fine and court costs.

Feb. 26

Kim Webster Anthony, 39, of 492 W. King St., Boone, pleaded guilty to injury to real property. She was sentenced to 45 days in jail, suspended, 12 months supervised probation, and assessed court costs and $106.17 in restitution.

A charge of simple assault was dismissed against Whitney Auten, 20, of 4-B Stoneybrook Court, Boone, due to successful mediation.

A prayer for judgment continued was granted on a charge of communicating threats against Earl Coy Barnes, age unlisted, of 140 Barnes Grove, Sugar Grove.

Larry E. Browning, 47, of 4603 Hickory Nut Gap Road, Banner Elk, pleaded not guilty to communicating threats. The charge was dismissed.

A charge of assault with a deadly weapon was dismissed against Buster Coffey, 60, of 602 Howards Creek Road, Boone.

Yolisma Y. Cornejo, age unlisted, pleaded guilty to operating a vehicle without insurance and three worthless check charges. Sentencing was consolidated into 90 days in jail, suspended, 60 months supervised probation, and assessed two court costs, $450 in court-appointed attorney fees, and $1,412.70 in restitution.

A charge of exceeding psuedoephederine purchase/possession limits was dismissed against Alice Hicks Farmer, 20, of 18916 Evanston Lane, Cornelius.

Two charges of selling/distributing tobacco products to a minor were dismissed against Ira C. Fowler, 70, of 217 Riverbank Cove, Boone.

Meleah Anne Miller, 21, of 3373 E. Calvin St., Claremont, pleaded guilty to driving after consuming alcohol while underage. A prayer for judgment continued was granted with the stipulation Miller undergo an alcohol abuse assessment. Charges of possession of alcohol by an underage person and an open alcohol container in the passenger area of a vehicle were dismissed.

William Anthony Nibblett, 41, of 755 Stultz Road, Martinsville, Va., pleaded guilty to assault on a female and sexual battery. He was sentenced to 300 days in jail with credit for 86 days served, 72 months of supervised probation, and assessed $187.50 in court-appointed attorney fees. Nibblett was also ordered not to be on the premises of Appalachian State University.

Gary Presnell, 54, of 2167 Laurel Creek Road, Sugar Grove, pleaded guilty to common law forgery, a lesser offense than the original charge of attempt to obtain property by false pretenses. A prayer for judgment continued was granted. A charge of obtaining property by false pretenses was dismissed.

Charges of unauthorized use of motor vehicle and two counts of misdemeanor larceny were dismissed against Alexander Pugahev, 17, of 226 Henson Hollar Road, Vilas, due to successful mediation.

An order for arrest for failure to appear was issued for Al Stanley Smith, 29, of 178 Hensels Lane, Boone. Smith is charged as a fugitive from other state. A secured $4,000 bond was set.
A charge of misdemeanor larceny was dismissed against Frankie Taylor, age unlisted, of Winter Street, Boone.

Keith Richard Ward, 41, of 336 Big Branch Road, Sugar Grove, pleaded guilty to failure to heed blue lights or siren, injury to real property, resisting public officer, and exceeding psuedoephederine limits. He was sentenced to 90 days in jail, suspended, 36 months supervised probation, and assessed a $100 fine and court costs. Charges of fleeing arrest with a motor vehicle, reckless driving to endanger, failure to wear a seatbelt, possession of drug paraphernalia, expired inspection sticker, two registration violations, and two counts of failure to stop at a stop sign/flashing red light were dismissed.

A charge of assault and battery were dismissed against Ricky Darrell Wilson, 48, of 864 Mountain Dale Road, Vilas.

A charge of injury to personal property was dismissed against Larry E. Browning, 47, of 4603 Hickory Nut Gap Road, Banner Elk.

Benjamin Hensley, 25, of 125 Brown Road, Elizabethton, Tenn., pleaded guilty to speeding, a window tint violation and two counts of no operator's license. He was sentenced to 90 days in jail, suspended, 12 months unsupervised probation, and assessed $100 in fines and two court costs.

Feb. 25

Andrew Vann Adkins, 20, of 102 Beaver Trail, Hubert, pleaded guilty to possession of marijuana up to one half ounce and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was sentenced to 12 months supervised probation and assessed a $100 fine and court costs.

Matthew S. Beecher, 18, of 817 Waverly Court, Concord, pleaded guilty to driving while impaired. He was sentenced to 30 days in jail, suspended, 12 months supervised probation, 24 hours community service, assessed a $100 fine, court costs and community service fees. A charge of driving after consuming alcohol while under the age of 21 was dismissed.

Justin Lee Boles, 19, of 1346 Jupiter Road, Weaverville, pleaded guilty to possession of marijuana up to one half ounce. He was sentenced to five days in jail, suspended, 12 months unsupervised probation, and assessed a $100 fine and court costs.

Michelle Theresa Conboy, 22, of 4668 River Road, Virginia Beach, Va., pleaded guilty to two counts of assault on a government official, and admitted a probation violation. Her probation was extended to 24 months and changed to supervised. For the two assault charges, Conboy’s total sentence was 150 days in jail, suspended, with two days active, 48 months supervised probation, 72 hours of community service to be completed within 120 days, and assessed a $250 fine, $40 in restitution and court costs for two cases. Charges of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, resisting public officer and injury to personal property were dismissed.

Benji Corti, 22, of 1011 North Salem St., Apex, pleaded guilty to speeding and failure to yield pedestrian right of way. He was assessed $35 in fines and court costs for two cases. Charges of reckless driving to endanger and unsafe passing on a yellow line were dismissed.

Pete Dennis Costas II, 19, of 6215 Rosebriar Lane, Charlotte, pleaded guilty to possession of marijuana up to one half ounce and possession of drug paraphernalia. Sentencing was consolidated in 12 months supervised probation, 24 hours of community service, and assessed a $100 fine and court costs.

Justin Patrick Crowe, 27, of 657 N.C. 194 North, Boone, pleaded guilty to careless and reckless driving, a lesser offense than his original charge of failure to stop for a stopped school bus. A prayer for judgment continued was granted.

David Charges Deiters, 34, of 315 Jen Will Drive, Deep Gap, pleaded guilty to driving while impaired. He was sentenced to 30 days in jail, suspended, 12 months unsupervised probation, 24 hours of community service within 30 days, and assessed a $100 fine and court costs.

Adrian John Dekeyzer, 24, of 856 Eagle Drive, Boone, pleaded guilty to operating a vehicle without insurance. A prayer for judgment continued was granted. A charge of expired/no inspection sticker was dismissed.

Michael J. Fitzgerald, 20, of 901 Hunting Country Road, Tryon, pleaded guilty to driving after consuming while under the age of 21. Punishment was not specified on the court docket. A charge of reckless driving to endanger was dismissed.
A charge of second degree trespassing was dismissed against Wesley Carson Flowers, 21, of 275-C Faculty St., Boone.

Benjamin D. Goldberg, 19, of 812 Alley Ave., Roanoke Rapids, pleaded guilty to injury to real property. A prayer for judgment continued was granted.

Sean Edward M. Gray, 21, of 465 Gray Shadow Lane, Banner Elk, pleaded guilty to driving while license revoked. A prayer for judgment continued was granted with the stipulation that Gray not operate a vehicle until licensed to do so. A charge of possession of drug paraphernalia was dismissed.

James Chester Hilburn, 18, of 127 Karen Court, Cary, pleaded guilty to injury to personal property and possession of an alcoholic beverage by an underage person. He was sentenced to 30 days in jail, suspended, 18 months unsupervised probation, 50 hours of community service to be completed within 90 days, and assessed a $100 fine and court costs. Hilburn was also ordered not to be in possession of spray paint. A charge of possession of marijuana up to one half ounce was dismissed.

Travis Daniel Hill, 21, of 3601 Ebert St., Winston Salem, pleaded guilty to expired registration and no operator’s license. Sentencing was consolidated into five days in jail, suspended, 12 months unsupervised probation, and Hill was assessed a $50 fine and court costs. He is also ordered not to operate a vehicle until licensed to do so and properly registered and insured.

James Blake Howard, 23, of 299 Frank Hodges Road, Sugar Grove, pleaded guilty to driving while impaired. He was sentenced to 60 days in jail, suspended, 12 months unsupervised probation, 48 hours of community service to be completed within 75 days, and assessed a $100 fine and court costs. Charges of driving while license revoked, expired inspection sticker, exceeding posted speed and driving left of center were dismissed.

An order for arrest for failure to appear was issued for Darius Durand Ingram, 27, 2001 Joe Brown Drive, Macon, Ga. Ingram is facing a charge of driving while impaired.

Charges of second degree trespassing and urinating in public were dismissed against Dusty Lynn Johnson, 21, of 182 South Angell Road, Mocksville.

Willie James King III, 21, of 194 Clawson St., Boone, pleaded guilty to driving while impaired. He was sentenced to 60 days in jail, suspended, 12 months unsupervised probation, 24 hours of community service to be completed within 60 days, and assessed a $100 fine, $225 in court-appointed attorney fees and court costs. Charges of no operator’s license, simple possession of a schedule VI controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia were dismissed.

Charges of simple possession of a schedule VI controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia were dismissed against Thomas Paul Kissinger, 18, of 3465 Caldwell Ridge Parkway, Charlotte, due to compliance with conditions previously set by the court.

Charges of consuming an alcoholic beverage while underage, resisting public officer, possession or manufacture of fraudulent identification, and breaking and entering were dismissed against Matthew J. Masterson, 21, of 5235 Mineral Springs Mountain Avenue, Valdese, due to compliance with conditions previously set by the court.

Charges of selling/giving alcohol to an underage person and possession or sale of alcohol without a permit were dismissed against Cassidy Trey McCorkle, 25, of 1111 Shannonbrook Drive, Newton, due to compliance with conditions previously set by the court.

Jason Paul Palmer, 18, of 510 Deck Hill Road, Boone, pleaded guilty to unsafe movement, a lesser charge than the initial reckless driving to endanger. A prayer for judgment continued was granted.

Charges of possession of marijuana up to one half ounce, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of alcohol by an underage person were dismissed against Cayla Christine Pohs, 18, of 3005 Whisperfield Lane, Matthews, due to compliance with conditions previously set by the court.

Charges of injury to personal property and possession of alcohol by an underage person were dismissed against Douglas M. Skipper, 19, of 213 Gardener Hall, Boone, due to compliance with conditions previously set by the court.

Sabrina Joy Stanley, 24, of 9787 Jefferson Parkway Apt. F3, Englewood, was found guilty of driving while impaired and speeding. A motion to dismiss at the close of state’s evidence was denied. Stanley was sentenced to 30 days in jail, suspended, 12 months unsupervised probation, 24 hours of community service, and assessed $225 in fines in addition to court costs.

Kenneth Timothy Staufer, 37, of 324 Homespun Hills, Boone, pleaded guilty to driving while license revoked. He was sentenced to 120 days in jail, suspended, 12 months supervised probation, and assessed a $100 fine, $187.50 in court appointed attorney fees and court costs. Two separate registration violations and a charge of operating a vehicle without insurance were dismissed.

James Matthew Taylor, 19, of 2339 Mills Cove Place, Lenoir, pleaded to guilty to driving after consuming alcohol while underage. A prayer for judgment continued was granted on the basis of an alcohol abuse assessment and compliance prior to trial. A charge of possession of alcohol by an underage person was dismissed.

Jared Alexander Thompson, 24, of 2737 Lamp Lighter Lane, Kannapolis, pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct. He was sentenced to 45 days in jail, suspended, 12 months unsupervised probation, and assessed a $50 fine and court costs.

A charge of second degree trespassing was dismissed against Steven Patrick White, 37, of 515 Junaluska Road, Boone.