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Press Releases from the District Attorney's Office
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July 2, 2010
Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith, announces
the sentencing of Jameil Clark, 29, of 1236 Biloxi Street Jackson, MS.
Clark was sentenced by Judge Malcom Harrison to 20 years to serve in the
custody of MDOC.
On August 26, 2009 Jameil Clark shot
his wife Tina Clark in the chest at the residence of her friend. Tina
was in hiding from Jameil at the time. Jameil had made violent threats
toward her, her children, and her family in the days and weeks preceding
the shooting. Jameil sought her out and in the presence of two witnesses
and several small children, chased Tina into the residential bathroom
and shot her at point blank range while she was on the phone with the
police.
Hinds County District Attorney Robert
Shuler Smith said this was a big step in his effort to get the worst of
the worst off the streets. D.A. Smith was pleased to be able to provide
justice and protection to the victim Tina Clark and the citizens of
Hinds County.
June 21, 2010
Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith, announced
the sentencing of James Earl Warrem, 46, of 5630 Angle Drive, Jackson,
Mississippi. Warren pled guilty on one (1) charge of Sale of Marijuana.
Warren was sentenced by Judge Melvin V. Priester to ten (10) years in
the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections, five (5) years
suspended, with a total of five (5) years to serve.
Warren sold marijuana to an unnamed individual on March 11, 2009. The
investigation of Warren’s drug related criminal activity was conducted
by the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, Jackson Enforcement Team.
Hinds County Assistant District Attorney Keith L. Gates stated this
sentence reflects a concerted effort by the above named agencies to
deter drug trafficking in Hinds County.
May 24, 2010
(State of Mississippi v. Shawn States)
On April 24, 2007, Justin Howard and Antoine Reece were brutally
murdered in their North Jackson apartment by their friend, Shawn States.
Howard and Reece, both Iraqi war veterans and Tougaloo College students,
were both shot in the back of the head and robbed by Mr. States. States
was apprehended in Miami, Florida, a week after the murders. After
a four day trial, States was found guilty by a Hinds County Circuit
Court jury on May 21, 2010 and sentenced by Circuit Judge W. Swan Yerger
to two consecutive life terms with no possibility of parole. District
Attorney Robert Schuler Smith believes those that choose to murder
people in this community will be dealt with harshly in order to send a
message that says this community will not tolerate those types of
crimes.
April 19, 2010
Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith, announced
the conviction of Gabriel Marshall, 26, of Jackson. Marshall was
sentenced by Judge William Gowan to thirty (30) years in the custody of
MDOC, with eighteen (18) years to serve, and fined $5,000. In April
2009, agents of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics Jackson Enforcement
Team (JET) began conducting surveillance on Marshall and others
suspected of selling MDMA (Ecstasy) in the Metro area. The JET unit
executed a controlled buy purchasing over $1,400 of Ecstasy pills.
Thereafter, Marshall was arrested and found to be in possession of
approximately 600 dosage units of Ecstasy. Marshall pleaded guilty to
sale of MDMA and possession of 600 dosage units with intent to
distribute. Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith stated
this sentence reflects a concerted effort by MBN and the D.A.’s Office
to deter drug dealers in Hinds County.
April 15, 2010
Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith, announced the
conviction of Leonard Carey, 19 years old of Jackson, MS. Carey was
convicted by a Hinds County Jury for the February 2009 Murder of Phillip
Charleston. He was sentenced by Judge William Gowan to Life in the
custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
On February 5, 2009, Jackson Police
officers responded to 209 Hite Street. Upon arrival, officers learned
that Phillip Charleston had been shot two times in the abdomen.
Officers were able to determine the suspect Leonard Carey lived at the
adjacent house and apprehended him minutes after the shooting.
Charleston later died as a result of the gunshot wounds. Hinds County
District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith said with this verdict we are
continuing to keep the worst of the worst offenders in Jackson off the
streets. DA Smith was pleased to obtain justice for the victim and his
family who are residents of Hinds County.
February 9, 2010
District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith announced today that DAVID TYRONE
SAMPSON, [ 5755 Queen Mary Lane, Jackson, MS; DOB 07-23-1977] has been
sentenced to 20 years in prison after being convicted last week of
possession of cocaine and marijuana after a two day jury trial.
Sampson was charged with one count of possession of cocaine with the
intent to sell or distribute, and an additional charge of possession of
more than thirty grams of marijuana with the intent to sell or
distribute. Evidence presented to the jury showed that Sampson was
stopped for a traffic violation on Ellis Avenue near the intersection of
West Capital Street in Jackson. As the deputy sheriff approached the
car, he smelled a strong odor of marijuana. The deputy then found a
small electronic scale in the pants pocket of Sampson which contained
trace amounts of cocaine and marijuana. Officers then found a large
quantity of cocaine and marijuana in the car. There was approximately
140 grams of cocaine, and 220 grams of marijuana, along with two larger
electronic scales. Sampson declined to testify and the jury deliberated
just less than one hour before returning unanimous verdicts of guilty in
both counts. Sampson was previously convicted of manslaughter and armed
robbery in Hinds County in 1996. Sampson has two more drug indictments
pending in Hinds County Circuit Court.
Special Circuit Judge Breland Hilburn told Sampson that
drug dealing is one of the major problems within this community in
handing him a 20 year sentence. District Attorney Robert Shuler
Smith stated: A majority of our cases are drug related. We feel that a
major drug dealer has been brought to justice by a fair Hinds County
jury. This should also be a message to all criminal defendants that
nothing, not even a serious budget crisis, will deter my office from
pursuing convictions.
Jan 20, 2010
Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith announced
today that a Hinds County man scheduled for trial this week before
Circuit Judge Malcolm O. Harrison has plead guilty to two counts of
armed robbery rather than face a jury trial.
MARCUS RATLIFF [ 3957 Del-Rosa, Jackson, MS; DOB 11-4-1983 ] plead
guilty to one count of armed robbery of the BP gas station on Hanging
Moss Road, and to an additional count of armed robbery of a customer of
that business that occurred on August 27, 2008. Ratliff was sentenced to
25 years imprisonment, with 15 years suspended, and 10 years to serve,
with 5 years probation after release. The sentences will run concurrent,
but Ratliff will have to serve the entire ten years as a result of using
a firearm in the robberies.
District Attorney Smith stated that had the case proceeded to trial,
evidence would have shown that Ratliff rode to the gas station as a
passenger on a motorcycle and entered the store with a handgun. He took
a cash register drawer from an employee and took $1,250.00 in cash from
a customer inside the store at the time of the robbery. The robbery was
captured on video by the surveillance system and later broadcast on
Crimestoppers. Ratliff was identified by a tipster and the victims later
picked him out of a photo lineup. Ratliff confessed when arrested.
Jan 20, 2010
Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith announced
today that ERIC LAVONE TILLMAN [4660 Dixon Road, Jackson, MS; DOB
4-1-1980] today was sentenced for an armed home invasion and carjacking
by Circuit Judge Malcolm O. Harrison. Tillman was sentenced to 20 years
on each charge, with 10 years suspended, and 10 years to serve, followed
by 5 years supervised probation, and fined $2,000.00 on each charge. The
sentences will run concurrently.
District Attorney Smith states that the evidence would
show that on September 21, 2009, Tillman and a co-defendant broke into
the home of a 61 year old female armed with handguns. Tillman demanded
the woman’s purse which contained $55.00. Tillman then forced the woman
into her car and drove to a branch of her bank and forced her to provide
her PIN number to withdraw $300.00 from her account. The victim and her
vehicle were then released. Tillman avoided trial by pleading guilty to
the home invasion and carjacking with no recommendation as to sentence
from the District Attorney’s Office. Tillman will be required to serve
the entire ten years on these violent offenses.
Dec 8th, 2009
Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith, announces
that David Payton, 29, of 1225 Bailey Avenue, Jackson was sentenced to
serve twenty-five (25) years today for the gun armed robbery of the
Rally’s restaurant at 300 West Woodrow Wilson on the evening of July 15,
2007. Payton entered plea of guilty to the armed robbery before Judge
Breland Hilburn on November 17, 2009.
According to ADA Lora Boggs, Payton was one of two armed
gunmen who entered the Rally’s located at 300 West Woodrow Wilson on the
evening of July 15, 2007 demanding money from employees at gunpoint.
Payton then forced employees to crawl into the eatery’s cooler after
which he fled the scene.
David Payton was later identified by the victim from a
non-suggestive photo lineup. Hinds County District Attorney Smith is
adamant that those who choose to commit violent crimes such as armed
robberies within this community will be dealt with harshly. This
community will not tolerate those types of crimes.
Dec 1st, 2009
District Attorney Robert Schuler Smith announces that Ryan Kennedy, of
1313 Barrett Avenue, Jackson, MS, pled guilty on Monday,30 November
2009, before Circuit Court Judge Tomie Green to two counts of aggravated
assault and two counts or armed robbery and received a sentence of
twenty years to serve on each aggravated assault and 30 years with 10
suspended and 20 years to serve on both armed robberies. The four
sentences will run concurrently.
Because the armed robberies were with a firearm, Kennedy
will serve 20 years before he is eligible for parole. On 11 April 2008,
Kennedy entered the home of one victim, shot the victim/homeowner and
robbed him, then shot the victim/homeowner’s cousin who was a guest and
robbed that victim. “ People need to heed a warning that this type of
violence will not be tolerated,” states District Attorney Robert Schuler
Smith.
Nov 25h, 2009
Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith,
announced the sentencing of Undra Sutton, 28, of 1142 Raymond Road, Apt.
B-2, Jackson, Mississippi. Sutton pled guilty on two (2) charges of Sale
of Cocaine. Sutton was sentenced by Judge Melvin V. Priester to fifteen
(15) years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections,
five (5) years suspended, with a total of ten (10) years to serve.
The investigation of Undra Sutton’s drug related
criminal activity was conducted by the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics,
Jackson Enforcement Team. Hinds County Assistant District Attorney
Keith L. Gates stated this sentence reflects a concerted effort by the
above named agencies to deter drug trafficking in Hinds County.
November 18th, 2009
Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith, announced the
conviction of Serderick Lawson, 42, of 2705 Idaho Street, Jackson.
Lawson was sentenced by Judge William Gowan to twenty (20) years in the
custody of MDOC, with fifteen (15) years to serve.
In late 2008, agents of the Mississippi Bureau of
Narcotics Jackson Enforcement Team (JET) began conducting surveillance
on Lawson. The JET unit executed several controlled buys purchasing
various prescription narcotics through the use of confidential
informants. Thereafter, a search warrant of Lawson’s residence revealed
cocaine, Hydrocodone, and Dilaudid. The defendant pleaded guilty to four
sales of controlled substances and possession of cocaine.
Hinds County Assistant District Attorney Brad Hutto
stated this sentence reflects a concerted effort by MBN and the D.A.’s
Office to deter drug dealers in Hinds County.
October 15th, 2009
Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith,
announced the sentencing of Johnny Gibbs, 47, of 5434 Queen Christina
Lane, Jackson, Mississippi. Gibbs was found guilty by a jury of his
peers for Possession of Marijuana while in possession of a firearm on
October 1, 2009. Gibbs was sentenced by Judge Melvin V. Priester to
sixteen (16) years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of
Corrections, five (5) years suspended, with a total of eleven (11) years
to serve.
On June 18, 2008, Gibbs was arrested by officers of the
Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and charged with possession of marijuana
with intent while in possession of multiple firearms. The arrest was the
result of an investigation by the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics,
Jackson Enforcement Team.
Hinds County Assistant District Attorney Keith L. Gates
stated this sentence reflects a concerted effort by the above named
agencies to deter drug trafficking in Hinds County.
October 14, 2009
Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith
announced that a Jackson, Mississippi, who earlier this year plead
guilty to charges arising from an armed home invasion that took place in
Edwards, Mississippi, in August, 2008, has been sentenced to 45 years in
prison by Circuit Judge Breland Hilburn. Prosecutors made no agreement
as to the sentence and argued for a harsh sentence without regard to a
75 year sentence imposed earlier in the week.
Justin Larun Lomax [DOB 12-1-1989; 1505 Cedar Pine
Drive, Jackson, Mississippi] plead guilty to burglary of a dwelling and
aggravated assault after a jury had been selected to try the case on
Tuesday, September 8, 2009. Charges of shooting into a dwelling and
using a stolen firearm were dismissed in consideration of the guilty
pleas.
Smith stated that had the case been heard by the jury,
evidence would show that on August 21, 2008, Lomax approached a
residence at 201 Montgomery Street in Edwards, Mississippi, and
attempted to disable the telephone by beating on the service box on the
exterior of the house. The victim was awakened by the noise and went
towards the front door which was kicked in by Lomax. Lomax was armed
with a .45 caliber Ruger handgun. The victim announced he was calling
the police. As Lomax fled the residence he shot at the victim 5 times.
Lomax ran away from the house and was confronted by neighbors, then ran
past another house but tripped on a barbed wire fence. On August 23,
2008, Lomax was arrested after a traffic stop and was found in
possession of a stolen .45 handgun which the State Crime Lab determined
was the same weapon that fired the shots in the burglary by comparing
the spent hulls recovered at the scene two days earlier. Once Lomax was
in custody, investigators determined that he had wounds on his leg
consistent with barbed wire cuts. Lomax confessed to investigators that
he obtained the .45 handgun in a prior burglary.
October 13, 2009
On October 8, 2009, the Hinds County District Attorney
Robert Schuler Smith and the Jackson Police Department were successful
in obtaining a conviction against Patricia Dutcher for the charge of
Manslaughter.
On June 29, 2007, Officers were dispatched to Lakeland
Drive under the bridge by the Pearl River in reference to a stabbing.
Once Officers were on scene, they came into contact with the Defendant,
Patricia Dutcher. Dutcher told officers she and Kewanee were asleep
under the bridge. Dutcher stated she got up to use the restroom and when
she returned, Kewanee was stabbed in the chest gasping for air. Dutcher
told officers, she did not know how it happened. However, later in a
confession, Dutcher stated there was an altercation between her and
Kewanee and she did indeed stab him in the chest.
The defendant plead guilty to the charge of Manslaughter
in front of the Honorable Winston Kidd on October 8, 2009. The defendant
was sentenced to a term of 20 years to serve in the Custody of the
Mississippi Department of Corrections.
October 1, 2009
Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith,
announced the conviction of Johnny Gibbs, 47, of 5434 Queen Christina
Lane, Jackson, Mississippi. Gibbs will be sentenced in this matter by
Judge Melvin V. Priester on October 15, 2008.
On June 18, 2008, Gibbs was arrested by officers of the
Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics in possession of 340 grams of marijuana
and multiple firearms. The arrest was the result of an investigation of
Gibbs by the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, Jackson Enforcement Team
(JET). Gibbs was found guilty by a jury of his peers of Possession of
Marijuana while in possession of a firearm.
Hinds County Assistant District Attorney Keith L. Gates
stated this verdict reflects a concerted effort to deter drug
trafficking in Hinds County.
September 14, 2009
Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith,
announced the conviction of Edward Lynn Stapleton, 31, of 879 William
Blvd, Apt 16-C (Lexington Apartments), Ridgeland, Mississippi. Stapleton
was sentenced by Judge Melvin V. Priester to forty (40) years to serve
in the custody of MDOC.
On July 30, 2008, Stapleton was arrested by officers
of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics in possession of over forty (40)
dosage units of Ecstasy. The arrest was the result of an extensive
investigation of Stapleton by the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics,
Jackson Enforcement Team (JET). Stapleton entered a guilty plea to the
charge of Possession of Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (Ecstasy) with
intent to distribute and received a sentence of forty (40) years.
Stapleton had previously been convicted in Hinds County on April 12,
2004, for two separate charges of Possession of Marijuana and on October
9, 2008, for Felony Evasion in Madison County.
Hinds County Assistant District Attorney Keith L.
Gates stated this sentence reflects a concerted effort to deter drug
trafficking in Hinds County.
July 29, 2009
A Jackson, Mississippi, man avoided an August 3, 2009, trial
date by pleading guilty to breaking into a home and holding a gun to a
residents head while another man ransacked the home.
Hinds Count District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith
announced that Corey Pendleton [DOB 09-15-1983; 225 McDowell Road
Apartment F-5, Jackson, Mississippi] was set for trial on burglary and
armed robbery charges before Circuit Judge Breland Hilburn on August, 3,
2009; however, during a pretrial status hearing on July 29, 2009,
Pendleton elected to enter a plea of guilty to the armed robbery charge.
According to D.A. Smith, his office made no sentence recommendation,
leaving Pendleton facing a sentence of up to a day short of the
remainder of his life expectancy. Had the case proceeded to trial, the
jury could have imposed a life sentence on the armed robbery charge.
Smith stated that if the case proceeded to trial, the
State would prove that Pendleton and another man waited outside the home
near the victim= s car. As the
victim, her daughter, her sister and several small children neared the
car, Pendleton, wearing a mask, produced a handgun and forced the group
back inside the home. Pendleton ripped the telephone line out of the
wall. The other man began to ransack the home looking for items to
steal. The victims, including the children, were threatened with death
by the home invaders. A thirteen year old girl was grabbed by the hair
and thrown to the floor in order to steal her shoes. Another resident of
the home, Mario Palmer, escaped to a neighbor=
s home to have police called. Jackson Police Department officers Bill
Barnes and James Dunaway arrived with the robbery still ongoing.
Pendleton saw the officers approach the house and removed his mask and
handed the weapon to one of the victims in an effort to avoid detection.
The officers were able to enter the home and capture both thieves while
allowing the victims to leave the home to escape harm. Pendleton later
confessed, stating that he was due in court in Ridgeland, Mississippi,
and needed money for court.
Smith stated that his office will continue to
aggressively pursue cases of home invasion and seek harsh sentences.
Pendleton was ordered to undergo a presentence investigation, with
sentencing tentatively set on August 29, 2009.
July 30, 2009
Joseph Johnett Wilson was convicted of the crime of the sexual
battery of his natural daughter by a Hinds County Jury. The case was
tried before the Honorable Swan Yerger. The sexual assault occurred on
October 18, 2005, when Wilson, then thirty-nine years old, drove his
seventeen year old biological daughter to a remote area in Hinds County
and raped her. A rape kit had been performed on the child the following
day at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson. A serological examination of the
contents of the rape kit identified that sperm was recovered from inside
the victim’s body. DNA testing revealed conclusively that the sperm
found inside of the daughter belonged to her father Joseph Wilson.
During the trial Mr. Wilson admitted the sperm found in his daughter
belong to him. He however alleged that his daughter had raped him.
A sentencing hearing immediately followed the trial
where Judge Yerger sentenced Joseph Wilson to the maximum term of thirty
years to serve. At the hearing the daughter testified that she still
loved her father and could not understand why he had hurt her and the
family so terribly. Joseph Wilson will not be eligible from release from
prison until March of 2039. The successful prosecution and ultimate
conviction of this truly reprehensible crime re-affirms District
Attorney Robert Smith's commitment to keep Jackson safe from the “worst
of the worst”.
July 10th, 2009
Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith, announced
the guilty verdict by a Hinds County jury of Willie James Day, 37, of
784 Stockyard Road, Pickens, Mississippi, to the crime of carjacking.
On September 30, 2007, Willie James Day took the vehicle of the victim,
Ms. Lakeitha A. Gooden, while Ms Gooden was attempting to use the
telephone at the Shell Station located at 455 Daniel Lake Boulevard,
Jackson, Mississippi. The eye witness testimony of the victim and the
store clerk on duty. was essential in establishing the guilt of Willie
James Day.
Hinds County Assistant District Attorney, Patrick Beasley, stated the
verdict rendered in this case reflects our community’s consensus that
perpetrators of violent crimes will be held accountable for violent acts
committed in Hinds County. Day is scheduled to be sentenced on July 16,
2009; the maximum sentence allowed under the law for the crime of
carjacking is fifteen (15) years.
June 25, 2009
Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith, announced
that Benjamin Clark, 24 years of age of Jackson, MS. plead guilty to
MURDER and was sentenced by Circuit Judge Swan Yerger to life in prison
and is not eligible for parole.
He was charged with breaking into an apartment in February, 2008 and
killing Henry Ledlow, II. The victim, Henry Ledlow, II, was stabbed 10
times in the back and neck. He later died at the University of
Mississippi Medical Center. After the attack, the defendant took
Caroline Cockrell, Ledlow’s finance, to Alabama with him. Tuscaloosa
police apprehended Clark the next day at a hotel.
District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith said that with the assistance of
the Jackson Police Department, and Assistant District Attorney, Shaun
Yurtkuran, the Defendant, Benjamin Clark will spend the rest of his life
in prison for this thoughtless and senseless crime.
May 13, 2009
On June 16, 2008, Chaz Pinkston, 229 Overlook Drive, Jackson,
MS, 21 years of age, along with two other men, walked into the Merchants
& Farmer’s Bank located in North Jackson, right across from Picadilly
Restaurant, and pointed a handgun at the branch manager, Jeffery
Jackson. and demanded he open the bank vault.
Pinkston ordered Jackson to get down on his knees and then attempted to
open the vault, causing the alarm to sound. As Pinkston fled the bank,
he fired two shots hitting the computer monitors located in the teller
booths. He turned himself in a few days later to officers from the
Jackson Police Department.
After a three day trial, Pinkston was found guilty by a Hinds County
Circuit Court jury on May 13, 2009 and sentenced by Circuit Judge W.
Swan Yerger to serve 35 years in the custody of the Mississippi
Department of Corrections.
District Attorney Robert Schuler Smith believes those that choose to
commit armed robberies in this community will be dealt with harshly in
order to send a message that says this community will not tolerate those
types of crimes. Less than one year after this crime was committed the
defendant is in the penitentiary.
APRIL 7, 2009
Hinds County District Attorney,
Robert Shuler Smith, announced the conviction of Defendants, Arsenio
Haynes and Sylvester Bracey. The Defendants were each charged with house
burglary, auto theft and aggravated assault. Arsenio Haynes and
Sylvester Bracey plead guilty to the above charges and will be sentenced
by Judge Tommie Green.
On June 5, 2006, Arsenio Haynes and Sylvester Bracey, who were between
the ages of 13 and 19 years of age, threw a brick through the patio door
of the complainant, Ms. Elizabeth Winter. Ms. Winter was sitting at her
kitchen table eating when this occurred. She ran out of kitchen and made
it to the carport but was dragged back inside her house by the
defendants. Ms. Winter was tied up and placed in her bath tub and was
told that she would be killed if she didn’t tell the defendants where
her purse and the keys to her 2003 blue Crown Victoria was located.
After the defendants retrieve her purse and keys to her car they left
and Ms. Winter was able to free herself and call police. She was
transported to hospital covered in blood with cuts and bruises.
Assistant District Attorney, Valorri Jones stated that this was a
hideous crime and she feels that Judge Green’s sentence of the
defendants involved will be accordingly.
District Attorney, Robert Shuler Smith stated that we are pleased that
the victim was able to identify these defendants in spite of the trauma
that she experienced during this tragic incident and that we have been
aggressively pursuing violent offenders to help reduce the rate of
violent crimes in Hinds County.
April 1, 2009
Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith, announced
the conviction of Devin Hawkins, 23 years of age of 987 East Northside
Drive, Apt 1-B, (HallMark Garden Apartments) Jackson, MS. Devin Hawkins
was found guilty of one count of murder and one count of Aggravated
Assault. He was sentenced by Judge Winston Kidd to life in prison.
On July 11, 2007, Jackson Police Officers responded to 987 East
Northside Drive in referenced to a shooting. Upon arrival, Officers
observed that two black males were lying on the ground. Both victims had
suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the body. The victims were
identified as Jeremy Lewis and John Norwood. Mr. Lewis was deceased and
Mr. Norwood survived the shooting. The Defendant was interviewed by the
detectives in reference to this case and he confessed to confronting the
victims about breaking into his apartment and shooting them as they ran
from him once he displayed a weapon. The Defendant advised the detective
that he threw the gun used in the shooting in the Pearl River.
District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith said that with the assistance of
the Jackson Police Department, Senior Assistant District Attorney,
Winston Thompson and Assistant District Attorney, Tina Herron, the
Defendant, Devin Hawkins will spend the rest of his life in prison for
these thoughtless and senseless crimes.
02-26-2009
Re: State of Mississippi v. Courtney Savoie
On February 26, 2009, the Hinds
County District Attorney Robert Schuler Smith and the Jackson Police
were successful in convicting Defendant Courtney Savoie for the charge
of Aggravated DUI.
On January 6, 2008, defendant Courtney Savoie, was traveling , South in
the North bound lane near US 51, without headlights, when her 2000
Mercury Cougar collided head on with the victim, Lyndon Bowlin’s 2008
Ford Escape. The collision resulted in the death of the victim. At the
time of the collision the defendant had a blood alcohol content of .25
(3 times the legal limit).
The defendant plead guilty to the charge of Aggravated DUI in front of
the Honorable Judge Winston Kidd on January 21, 2009. Today, the
defendant was sentenced to a term of (20) twenty years in the custody of
the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
District Attorney, RSS, states that
today’s conviction of the defendant is an example of his fulfilling his
campaign promise to stand up for victims’ rights in Hinds County.
02-24-2009
Re: State of Mississippi vs. Don Watts
Hinds County District Attorney
Robert Shuler Smith, the Jackson Enforcement Team (JET), which comprises
of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, Mississippi Department of
Corrections, Hinds County Sheriff Department and Jackson Police
Department were victorious in convicting a notorious drug offender.
On Tuesday, February 24, 2009, Don
Watts of Jackson, Mississippi plead guilty to one (1) count of sale of
cocaine and one (1) count of possession of a firearm by a convicted
felon. Watts was sentenced by Special Circuit Court Judge William Gowan
to a term of thirty (30) years to in the custody of the Mississippi
Department of Corrections, with twenty (20) years to serve and ten (10)
years suspended.
Hinds County Assistant District
Attorney Patrick Beasley said that this is part of a concerted effort to
ensure that drug offenders understand that Hinds County is not a haven
for drug trafficking and violators will receive serious jail time if
convicted.
02-10-2009
Hinds County District Attorney, Robert Shuler Smith and
Assistant District Attorneys Jamie McBride and Westley Brewer are
presently in trial in Judge W. Kidd’s courtroom regarding the
prosecution of the above referenced defendant on a forcible rape charge
that happened at the Northhill Square Apartments in North Jackson. The
rape occurred when the Defendant, Wilfred Powell, forced his way into
the victim’s apartment and raped her at knife point.. The victim picked
Mr. Powell out of a line up but he denies that he is the one but his DNA
says otherwise.
ADA Jamie McBride and Wesley Brewer
said they are continuing to work toward District Attorney Robert Smith’s
goal which is to ensure that the “worst of the worst” serve serious time
for their crimes in Hinds County.
02-10-2009
Re: State of Mississippi vs. Felix Sylvester
Hinds County District Attorney
Robert Shuler Smith, was victorious in convicting a notorious violent
offender. On Friday, February 6, 2009, Felix Sylvester of Jackson,
Mississippi plead guilty to aggravated assault. Sylvester was sentenced
by Special Circuit Court Judge Melvin Priester to a term of twenty (20)
years to serve in the custody of the Mississippi Department of
Corrections.
Hinds County Assistant District
Attorney Patrick Beasley said that this is part of a concerted effort to
ensure that violent offenders are dealt with in a manner that reflects
the community's outrage with the increase of violent crime in Hinds
County.
01-20-2009
Re: State of Mississippi vs. Theoshawn Demond Cavett
Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith, the Jackson
Enforcement Team (JET), which comprises of the Mississippi Bureau of
Narcotics, Mississippi Department of Corrections, Hinds County Sheriff
Department and Jackson Police Department were victorious in convicting a
notorious drug offender.
On Tuesday, January 20, 2009, Theoshawn Demond Cavett of Jackson,
Mississippi plead guilty to one (1) count of possession of cocaine and
one (1) count of possession of marijuana. Cavett was sentenced by
Special Circuit Court Judge William Gowan to a term of twenty (20) years
to serve in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
Hinds County Assistant District Attorney Patrick Beasley said that this
is part of a concerted effort to ensure that drug offenders understand
that Hinds County is not a haven for drug trafficking and violators will
receive serious jail time if convicted.
01-17-2009
Re: State of Mississippi vs. Isaac Davila
Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith, and the Mississippi
Bureau of Narcotics (MBN) were victorious in convicting a notorious drug
offender. On Wednesday, January 14, 2009, Cedric Mason of Jackson,
Mississippi, plead guilty to sale of marijuana and was sentenced by
Special Circuit Court Judge William Gowan to a term of fifteen (15)
years in the custody of the Mississippi of Corrections.
Hinds County Assistant District Attorney Patrick Beasley said that this
conviction is part of a concerted effort to ensure that individuals who
are selling drugs in Hinds County serve serious time.
01-12-2009
- Edith Dianne Belk
Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith was successful in
getting the maximum punishment today for an embezzlement charge on Edith
Dianne Belk. Dianne Belk, a former Weight Watchers bookkeeper who
embezzled nearly $1 million from the business was sentenced to 10 years
in Hinds County Circuit Court. Edith Dianne Belk, 59 of Satartia
also was ordered to make restitution of $674,000.
Belk plead guilty in October, 2008 to stealing $921,000 from Weight
Watchers Inc. over six years beginning in 2000.
District Attorney Robert Smith stated: “If ever a person deserved the
maximum sentence it was this person. She betrayed the trust of her
employer who was paying her a salary the whole time she was stealing. “
12-09-2008 - RE: State of Mississippi v. Melvin Givens
(click here for
printable pdf)
On February 18, 2008 Melvin Givens, along with two other men, walked
into the Kentucky Fried Chicken located in Westland Plaza, right across
from Provine High School, and pointed a shotgun at the employees and
demanded they empty the registers.
Givens took the money from the registers and fled the scene with the two
other men. He was apprehended a few days later by officers from the
Jackson Police Department at the Rebelwoods apartments.On December 8,
2008, Givens was set to go to trial before Circuit Judge W. Swan Yerger
but chose to plea guilty right before a jury was impaneled. The Judge
accepted the State’s recommendation and Givens was sentenced to 25 years
with 5 years suspended and 20 to serve in the custody of the Mississippi
Department of Corrections.
District Attorney Robert Schuler Smith believes those that commit
violent crimes should be given harsh sentences in order to send a
message that says this community will not tolerate those types of
crimes. He also believes that if you commit a crime near a school you
will pay a hefty price.
11-16-2008 Robert S. Smith addresses law enforcement
crime summit
Hinds District Attorney Robert Smith addresses law enforcement officers
regarding Identity Theft
In May of this year, Governor Haley Barbour signed
into law SB2712, which is known as Miss Breland’s Law. Miss Breland, a
99 year old retired Jackson Public School educator, was attacked during
a purse snatching at her home in 2006 and later died of injuries
sustained during the robbery. Just hours after the attack, Miss
Breland’s credit cards were used as she lay helpless on the floor of her
carport.
Miss Breland’s law is designed to provide an up to five years sentencing
enhancements for fraudulent uses of ID card, driver’s license, credit
cards, commission of false presentation, commission of identity theft,
forgery in every case in which the instrumentality was initially
obtained in the course violent crimes or burglary such as: assault,
homicide, kidnapping, robbery, carjacking, burglary, or larceny.
This law is applicable to any individual who was found to use the credit
card, debit card, bank card, bank draft, other document or financial
instrument, or any identifying information including an account number
taken from the person, possession, custody or control of another whether
it was taken by the offender or another person.
It seems that many of the violent crimes and burglary’s plaguing our
communities are fueled by the motive to get the credit card, access to
bank accounts and other identifying information of the victims. This law
is one step towards deterring these crimes.
This law is unique in that the sentence enhancement is also applicable
to those who used the identifying instruments of another even if they
themselves did not commit the initial exacerbating crime of procuring
the instrument through the commission of a violent crime or burglary.
Some criminals will “choose” identity theft because it is a
“non-violent” offense that often carries light sentencing or fines and
it is an easy source of quick cash, Miss Breland’s law will help remind
these individuals that this is not the case, not in Mississippi.
10-21-2008 (click
here for a printable pdf)
Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith announces today that
a Jackson man, David Earl Bell [3340 Harley Street, Jackson, MS; DOB
6-10-1987] has been sentenced to twenty-two [22] years in the
Mississippi Department of Corrections by Circuit Judge Breland Hilbun
after pleading guilty to six [6] counts of armed robbery for the
December 18, 2007, armed robberies of six individuals at Mug Shots, a
Jackson restaurant and bar. Bell was sentenced on Monday, October 20,
2008, after pleading guilty in September. Smith said that had the case
gone to trial, the State would have proved that Aguebor Godwin, a cook
at Mug Shots, set up the robbery with Bell and a third defendant, Jimmie
Redmond. Godwin was not present at the actual robberies, but sent Bell
and Redmond a text message to go ahead with the robberies. Bell and
Redmond entered the restaurant with pistols drawn and pointed at the
manager and five [5] customers. Bell and Redmond threatened to kill the
manager to force him to turn over cash of the restaurant and then took
watches, wallets and other personal items from the five customers and
then forced all of them into the cooler in the kitchen of the
restaurant. Jackson Police officers responded quickly and caught all
three defendants in a car in the parking lot of the restaurant before
they could flee the scene. All items taken from the victims were
recovered. Bell and Godwin confessed their roles in the robbery scheme.
Godwin was previously sentenced to twenty-five [25] years in prison with
ten [10] years suspended. Redmond has plead guilty to all counts and
will be sentenced later. Bell and Godwin must serve the first ten [10]
years of their sentences without possibility of parole or early release.
Stated Smith, “We made no plea offers in these cases,
all three defendants plead guilty with no agreed sentences. I will
continue to seek harsh sentences in cases like these where innocent
victims were terrorized. I want people in Jackson to have confidence
that there will be very serious consequences for criminals that use guns
to rob people.”
10-10-2008 (click
here for a printable pdf)
Hinds Count District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith announced this
afternoon that MARY L. LEWIS [712 Beaverbrook Dr., Jackson, Mississippi;
DOB 5-10-1060] has been found guilty of the June 23, 2007, murder of
Arthur Lee Patterson after a jury trial that began on Tuesday, October
7, 2008. The jury deliberated about three and one-half [3 1/2] hours
today before returning the unanimous verdict of guilty about 2:30 p.m.
Lewis was immediately sentenced to life imprisonment.
Lewis and Patterson lived together on Beaverbrook Drive in Jackson.
Evidence presented at the trial showed that Lewis shot Patterson in the
upper abdomen near the intersection of Sears Drive and Eminence Row in
Jackson the morning after she told a neighbor she planned to kill him.
She then took Patterson’s automobile and stayed away from home all
night. Early on the morning of June 23, 2007, Patterson found Lewis in
his automobile and demanded that she get out of the car. Witnesses
described a brief struggle between the two and then Lewis shot
Patterson. Lewis then fled the scene and had Patterson’s car parked
behind her uncle’s house. Lewis was arrested the next day by Jackson
Police Department detectives. Lewis admitted shooting Patterson, but
claimed it was an accident. At trial, Lewis did not testify, but
defended her case by arguing self-defense. Prosecutor’s argued that
Lewis intentionally shot Patterson rather than surrender the car and
noted that Patterson was not armed and there was no evidence that
Patterson intended to harm Lewis in retrieving the car.
District Attorney Smith stated: “We elected not to make any plea offers
in this case. We felt this was a heinous murder as the jury has found.
Defense counsel sought sympathy for this female defendant, but this jury
stayed focused on the true facts and justice has been done.”
9-10-2008 Defendant Dexter
Tyrone Johnston pleads guilty to charges- receives 28 year sentence (click
here for
printable pdf)
9-03-2008
(click
here for
printable pdf)
Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith announced the
conviction of Henry Watson, 43, of 4901 McWillie Circle, Jackson, MS.
Mr. Watson pleaded guilty on September 3, 2008, to the charge of
Aggravated Assault and now faces a maximum sentence of twenty years. On
March 4, 2007, Watson entered the parking lot of a northwest Jackson
shopping center and stabbed his estranged wife at least 30 times then
attempted to set her on fire. A concerned citizen stepped in and forced
Watson away from her.
The bystander then held Watson at
gun point until the police arrived. The victim continues in her
recovery.
8-06-2008
On August 6, 2008, John
Fitzgerald Myles, age 41, plead guilty to the crimes of gratification of
lust and sexual battery and received a combined sentence of fifty years
in prison. Myles, a Jackson resident, admitted to molesting his
girlfriend’s thirteen year old child and sexually penetrating her
fourteen year old child.
Myles had been previously convicted of sexually molesting his own
fifteen year old daughter in 2002. Myles conviction and sentence is
confirmation of District Attorney Robert Smith’s pledge to keep the
citizens of Hinds County safe from violent crime.
District Attorney Robert Smith stated that the depravity of Myles crime
demanded a maximum sentence and the community can be secure that he will
not be able to harm any other children. Myles will not be eligible to be
released from prison until the year 2058. |