Magistrate Court Is Held
Jasper County Magistrate Court convened last Friday with Judge Kenneth G. Jackson, presiding. Outside of court, Judge Jackson consented to give an explanation of, and penalties for, the most prevalent county ordinance violation—that of solid waste.
“It’s a pretty broad code that the commissioners es-tablished some time back. It originated with the junk cars, the ones which were broken down and allowed to become a health hazard as well as an eyesore of some type.
“It was also allowed to cover any other type of things which tend to congregate in yards—appliances were a problem, left over construction supplies, and some people with just household trash and junk. Most of what is filed tends to come from either the auto or appliance or building supplies. Every so often you’ll get household trash, but that’s usually not the problem.
“I think the implementation of the ordinance has definitely been good for the county. If you compare Jasper County with other rural counties, I think we are a lot neater and a more attractive place than the places where you see cast off junk cars, trucks and appliances.
“The first offense is a fine of $300, which may be probated as well, in order to allow time to bring the property in compliance and usually we require the items in question to be cleaned up and disposed of properly, and they are given a reasonable amount of time to do this depending on certain factors like size, quantity, and the financial situation and ability to get it done.
“The second offense is a fine of $435, and the penalty may be ratcheted up to include community service. And in the case of a third time, like other counties, a 60 day jail term can be sentenced.”
{{more}}
Results of the Criminal Ordinance Violation Trial Calendar included:
Miranda Lee Dover was found guilty of disorderly conduct, and sentenced to 12 months probation, $210 in fines and $250 in attorney fees.
Mitchell Alton Sailors had the charges of disorderly conduct and public drunk dismissed.
Brad Ausband, charged with solid waste violation and theft of utilities, withdrew his plea of not guilty and it is being taken under advisement.
Monica Elaine Enlighten charged with animal running at large, was given an official warning.
Four other cases were continued.
Results of the Probation Revocation Calendar included:
Willie Nelson Benjamin, charged with public drunk and disorderly conduct, was sentenced to 45 days in jail and given credit for time served.
Rita Garmon, charged with possession of THC, was released from custody and ordered to pay monthly fees.
Mathew John Duchaine, charged with possession of marijuana less than one ounce, was settled.
Results of the pre-warrant preliminary hearing calendar included:
The charge of child abandonment by Tracey Wilkerson versus Stephen Wilkerson—returned to abeyance status pending Superior Court case scheduled for 1-18-08.
The charge of child abandonment by Angela Proctor versus Philip Proctor—was denied and no warrant was issued.
The charge of aggravated stalking by Ian Furgeson and Rene Furgeson versus Carley Furgeson was granted and warrants will be issued.
The charge of battery by Stacey Thrash versus Mandy Davis and Judy Hayes was denied and no warrant was issued.
On the Civil Trial calendar, two cases were continued.
