12 set for trial after Sharkey grand jury
Published 12:00 am Saturday, April 10, 2010
In Sharkey County Circuit Court this week, a grand jury issued indictments against 12 people.
The 18 grand jurors were empaneled Monday by presiding Judge Isadore Patrick, and reviewed evidence in 11 cases against 14 individuals. One was no billed, meaning there was not enough evidence to indict, and the felony charge against another was reduced to a misdemeanor.
In their report, the jurors recommended repairs and upgrades to the courthouse, including installation of elevators. They also recommended additional funding to law enforcement agencies for training and equipment, and increases to grand jury compensation. Jurors are paid $25, the same as prospective jurors not chosen to serve.
Indicted and arraigned — formally notified of the charges against them and assigned a trial date — were:
• Curtis Brown, 18, 67 Walnut St., Cary — armed robbery.
• Robert Brown, 19, Elm St., Cary — armed robbery.
• Irvin Clark, 45, 322 W. China St., Rolling Fork — business burglary, two counts.
• Eric Ferguson, 22, 64 Lumbley St., Rolling Fork — auto burglary.
• Gregory Griffin, 27, Elm St., Cary — armed robbery.
• Jason Johnson, 36, 129 Russell Circle, Rolling Fork — rape.
• Bobby Lewis, 50, 129 Dorothy Drive, Rolling Fork — attempted arson.
• Michael Robinson, 33, 25 Coleman Road, Rolling Fork — possession of cocaine with intent to sell.
• Johnny Spand, 30, address unavailable, Rolling Fork — possession of cocaine with intent to sell.
• Robert Watts, 20, 185 Worthing St., Rolling Fork — auto burglary.
• Andre Williams, 16, N. Fourth St., Rolling Fork — armed robbery.
• Robert Williams, 42, Chucks Drive, Rolling Fork — auto burglary.
No billed was Christopher Cooper, age and address unavailable, on kidnapping/rape.
The grand jury meets three times a year in Sharkey County, reviewing evidence to determine if it is enough to proceed to a trial. The next term will begin Aug. 16.