M. Strozier Agrees to Plea Deal for Theft

Just prior to noon on Tuesday, a pool of approximately 50 jurors were released from service by Judge Hugh Wingfield, III at the Jasper County Courthouse as Melissa Strozier, the defendant in the only jury trial on the docket, negotiated a plea deal with the District Attorney’s office for charges related to a theft by taking case.

Mrs. Strozier, represented by attorney Martin Fierman, was investigated and arrested in October 2015 for allegedly diverting funds through the Jasper County Care Corps. At the time of the investigation led by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, she worked for the organization which provides funds to citizens in need.

During a hearing to determine restitution following one witness testimony and a break for lunch, the defendant was sentenced to 90 days in a state probation detention center and the remainder of the 10 year sentence can be served on probation which shall terminate after five years if all conditions are met.

Mrs. Strozier will also be required to pay restitution of $15,055 to the Jasper County Care Corps.

On Monday, Judge Wingfield reviewed several other criminal cases that produced the following sentences:

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Robin Cobb, sentenced 15 years in jail with six to serve in confinement and the remainder on probation for felony charges including possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, two counts of possession of a schedule II controlled substance with intent to distribute, possession of a schedule IV controlled drug with intent to distribute, and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. Fined $1,000.

Dwight Clay Gilbert, sentenced to 15 years with two years to serve in confinement and the remainder on probation for manufacture of marijuana and possession of marijuana. Fined $2,000.

Whitley Elaine Stone, sentenced to six months in jail which is suspended upon payment of fine within 60 days for open container and failure to stop at sign. Fined $200.

Steven Alan Nelson, sentenced to four years of probation for disorderly conduct, crossing the guard line with contraband, and possession of marijuana. Fined $1,000.

Kayla Rose Pruett, sentenced to three years of probation for possession of a schedule II substance and reckless driving. Fined $1,000.

Jason Abercrombie, sentenced to 36 months of probation for three counts of theft by receiving property. Fined $1,000.

Chache Cantrell Grier, sentenced to 12 months of probation for fleeing or attempting to allude an officer and possession of marijuana. Fined $500.

Matthew Keith Hall, sentenced to 12 months of probation for reckless driving and speeding.

Jason Scott Greenwood, sentenced to 12 months of probation for reckless conduct. Fined $600.

Clint Ledwayne Jackson, sentenced to 12 months of probation for two counts of theft by shoplifting. Fined $500.

Austin Delainey Proctor, sentencedt o 12 months of probation for possesion of drug related objects. Fined $400.

Lashonda Monique Burke, sentenced to 12 months of probation on two separate cases for charges of disorderly conduct, obstruction of an officer and simple battery. Fined $1,000.

Justin Paul Jenkins, sentenced to 12 months of probation for giving false information to a law enforcement officer. Fined $400.

Helen Diane Moore, sentenced to 12 months of probation for possession of marijuana and possession of drug related objects. Fined $500.

Darren James Kippes, sentenced to 12 months of probation for habitual violator. Fined $500.

Levi Blaine Ellington, sentenced to three years of probation for possession of a schedule II controlled substance. Fined $1,000.

John Thomas Hilley, sentenced to three years of probation for possession of a schedule IV controlled substance. Fined $800.

Deborah Leigh Hicks, sentenced to 12 months of probation for possession of marijuana. Fined $500.

Tonya Lynell Carnes, sentenced to 12 months of probation for drugs not in original container. Fined $400.

Matthew Scott Fondren, sentenced to 12 months of probation for drugs not in original container. Fined $400.

Emmett Eugene Hewell, sentenced to 12 months of probation for possession of drug related objects. Fined $400.

Terry Lynn Thompson, sentenced to 12 months of probation for disorderly conduct. Fined $300.

Molissa Matney Dhaesler, sentenced to six years of probation for two counts of possession of schedule IV controlled substance. Fined $750.

Randall Howard Hester, sentenced to five years of probation for two counts of theft by receiving stolen property, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug related objects, use of license plate to conceal identity, and driving while license suspended.