M. Strozier Requests Withdrawal of Plea, Motion Day Conducted

Sentenced two weeks ago on a negotiated plea deal, Melissa Strozier will be back in Jasper Superior Court Thursday morning, Sept. 1, for a special hearing with Judge Hugh Wingfield.

In court papers filed with the local Superior Court just days following an abandoned jury trial and plea deal with the District Attorney’s office, Mrs. Strozier submitted a request to withdraw her guilty plea to theft by conversion for acts associated with Jasper County Care Corps funds.

On August 16, she was sentenced to serve 90 days in a state probation detention center being allowed to turn herself in by September 19, pay restitution of $15,000, and serve on probation.

The defendant has retained new counsel, local attorney and Magistrate Judge-elect Tim Lam. She had been represented by Martin Fierman, whose legal offices are located in Madison.

In Superior Court motion day action on Tuesday, Judge Trenton Brown, III sentenced Margaret Jean East to five years in confinement with two to serve for possession of contraband by an inmate. She was fined $1,000.

The outcome of the remaining cases included:

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Derrick Darnell Campbell, five years of probation for sale of a controlled substance. Fined $1,500.

Lauren Machele McDaniel, five years of probation for possession of contraband by inmate. Fined $1,000.

Leslie Denyse Chastain, three years of probation for possession of methamphetamine and affixing of plate to conceal or misrepresent identity. Fined $1,000.

Moki Nakoma Elsasser, 12 months of probation for simple battery. Fined $400.

Adam Wayne Baker, 12 months of probation for possession of marijuana, less than an ounce. Fined $500.

Luther Sean Wilson, 12 months of probation for criminal trespass. Fined $500.

Johnny Lee Edwards, 12 months of probation for disorderly conduct. Fined $500.

Willie Nelson Benjamin, 12 months of of probation for obstruction of an officer and pedestrian under the influence of alcohol.

Dewey Austin Wright, 12 months of probation for public drunkenness. Fined $500.

Leslie Myron Maddox, 12 months of probation for disorderly conduct. Fined $400.