Three plead guilty during April 22 law day

Circuit Court Judge Craig Carter processed 16 defendants during the April 22 session of Ozark County Circuit Court.

Trevor Van Mansker pleaded guilty to the E class felony of first degree property damage, and two D class felony charges of stealing $750 or more. Pursuant to a plea agreement, Mansker was sentenced to SIS on each charge and 5 years probation. He was also ordered to pay restitution of $4,721.85 joint with other defendants. Two charges of second degree burglary and a charge of second degree property damage were dismissed pursuant to the plea agreement. An SIS, or suspended imposition of sentence, means the defendant is placed on probation for a period of time. If the defendant follows the terms of their probation, at the end of the probation period the court will close the case and they will not have a criminal conviction on their records. However, if the defendant violates the probation, a full sentence may be invoked.

Chaz B. Brock waived formal arraignment and reading of the charges and pleaded guilty to the class C felony of unlawful possession of a firearm. According to a plea agreement Brock was sentenced to 4 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections. The term will be concurrent with all other sentences including the long-term drug treatment he is currently serving. (See story above)

Logan Dakota Johnson pleaded guilty to the class E felony of resisting arrest. He was sentenced to 4 years in the DOC, SES, and 5 years probation. An SES, or suspended execution of sentence, means a defendant will be sentenced to a prison term but will be placed on probation and will not go to prison unless they violate the terms of that probation. Johnson still faces charges in Baxter County, Arkansas, in a related case. (See story above)

Sentenced

Julia Anne Lesh was sentenced to 4 years in the DOC with credit for time served. Lesh admitted to violating her probation during the April 9 session by failing urine analysis and failing to successfully complete drug court. Her probation was revoked at that time. 

Michael B. Mansfield admitted violating his probation and had his probation revoked. He was sentenced to 5 years in the DOC for count 1 and 4 years in the DOC for count 2. Both sentences will run concurrent with each other and all other sentences. Mansfield is currently serving a 120-day treatment program in the DOC.

Trial set

A trial was set for July in the case of Robert C. Hudson. Pretrial will be held at 9 a.m. June 4. Hudson is charged with possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and first degree harassment.

Discharged from probation

William D. Meeks was discharged from probation.

Continued on probation

Juston Ralph Stoneking appeared for his probation violation hearing. He completed a seven day shock incarceration and was continued on probation.

Chad Russell McKee was continued on probation.

Continued to May 7

Sondra F. Clark’s probation violation hearing was continued to 9 a.m. May 7. Clark is alleged to have violated the terms of her probation by being terminated from drug court. However, Clark’s attorney, public defender Chase Opolka informed the court that Clark was appealing that decision and the appeal with be heard May 6. Opolka said that Clark wanted to get into a sober living facility and he requested that she be given that chance rather than go back to jail. Judge Carter overruled his request and Clark was taken into custody. 

Justin P. Bell’s probation violation hearing was continued to 9 a.m. May 7. Pipkin filed a motion to revoke Bell’s probation. Bell was taken into custody and the public defender was appointed as his counsel.

A plea or trial setting for Jerry Parks was continued to 9 a.m. May 7. The victim of Parks’ alleged crime will be notified of a potential plea agreement.

A plea hearing or trial setting for Brandon Wayne Twyman was continued to 9 a.m. May 7.

The arraignment for Andrew Zeph Fienhold was continued to 9 a.m. May 7.

Continued to May 21

A plea hearing or trial setting for Matthew Demorest was continued to 1:30 p.m. May 21.

Continued to July 9

Dylan M. Burke’s probation violation hearing was continued to 9 a.m. July 9. According to Ozark County Prosecutor Lee Pipkin, Burke is facing charges in Associate Court and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing at 1:30 p.m. June 24 before Judge Raymond Gross. Pipkin said those charges are the basis for filing the probation violation.