Two defendants who had previously switched their pleas to guilty returned to criminal court last Wednesday for formal pronouncement of their sentences.

On the bench was Judge Charles Yeargan.

Both defendants had been charged with felony theft of trailers from Paul Ray Trucking, and selling them to Texarkana junk dealers.

Jason A. White, 34, white male, Nashville, had pleaded guilty to class B felony theft of property on Nov. 14. His sentence was 12 years in the Arkansas Department of Correction (ADC) with eight years suspended; also, a restitution balance of $1,600.

Kenny Gibson, 33, black male, Columbus, on Nov. 14 had switched his plea to guilty to the class C felony theft of property charge. He was sentecned to 10 years in the ADC with seven years suspended. He must make arrangement for restitution to the victim.

Two defendants pleaded guilty or ‘true.’

Brandi J. Homan, 30, white female, Murfreesboro, pleaded guilty to a class D felony charge of lottery fraud. She was sentenced to four years in the ADC with two years suspended, and must make restitution of $446 to Quick Mart and $214 to the Arkansas Lottery. In a related case in Pike County where she also pleaded guilty, her sentence was four years in the ADC with two years suspended, to be served concurrently with the Howard County sentence.

A true plea was given by Amanda Jill Sharp, 37, white female, Umpire, who was charged with failure to meet the terms of her June 2011 conviction for obtaining prescription drugs by fraud, a class C felony. Her probation was extended two years.

Three defendants gave not guilty pleas.

Bryan A. Arnold, 26, white male, Hope, is charged with class D felony theft by receiving. He pleaded not guilty and told the judge he wanted to hire his own attorney. Pretrial motions are to be March 13. He was ordered to report back to the court with his attorney on Jan. 23.

Rickey Alexander, 22, white male, 1143 Parsons Road, Newhope, pleaded not guilty to a class D second degree battery charge, along with misdemeanor charges of criminal trespass and possession of drug paraphernalia.  Pretrial motions will be heard Jan. 9. His trial bond was set at $10,000 and he was ordered not to have any contact with the victim.

A not guilty plea was given by Casey Ramsey, 27, black male, Nashville, charged with class D felony possession of marijuana with the purpose of delivery. His bond was set at $10,000 and his trial date was set for March 26.

There will be no more weekly criminal court until after the new year.