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Meth charges bring man 10 years |
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Written by Voice Staff Report
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Friday, 26 February 2010 |
One of the six individuals arrested last November on allegations of manufacturing methamphetamine has pled guilty to the charge.
One of the six individuals arrested last November on allegations of manufacturing methamphetamine has pled guilty to the charge.
Donnie R. Barnett, 32, appeared in McCreary Circuit Court Tuesday where he entered the plea. Barnett is one of six individuals accused in the case, but the only one to admit guilt. All other parties have pled not guilty to the charges against them.
Barnett was arrested on November 8 at a rented residence in Dixie along with Garra Kidd, 21, Amanda Morgan, 23, Jamie H. Lynch, 20, Billy D. Stephens Jr., 25, and Joshua R. Phillips, 25. Officers investigating the case say all six individuals were involved with the operation of an active meth lab.
Kentucky State Police Trooper Tony Dingess and Deputy Jerry Meadows were in the area on that date, when both officers noticed a chemical smell in the air. The officers located the source of the odor at a residence on Highway 1651 near the school bus garage.
Upon initiation of an investigation, officers say all six individuals were located at the residence and in the process operating an active meth lab. All of the individuals were arrested and later indicted on charges of manufacturing methamphetamine. Phillips, Barnett and Stephens were also charged with being persistent felony offenders. Kidd was additionally charged with tampering with physical evidence and Morgan charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.
In offering a guilty plea Tuesday, it was recommended that Barnett have the repeat offender charge dismissed in his case. Commonwealth’s Attorney Allen Trimble recommended Barnett serve a 10-year prison sentence.
He will return to court on March 15 where Judge Dan Ballou will issue final sentencing.
All other persons charged in the case are scheduled to appear for hearings in the coming months.
In other court news:
• Tonya Daugherty will return to court on April 19 for final sentencing in several cases filed against her. Daugherty, 39, appeared in court Tuesday where she pled guilty in five different cases on charges including theft by unlawful taking, criminal mischief, receiving stolen property and trafficking in a controlled substance. She faces a total of 10 years behind bars.
• Joshua Miller, 24, faces 8 years behind bars after pleading guilty to burglary and theft by unlawful taking charges on Tuesday. Miller will return to court on March 15 for final sentencing. |
