Nickerson man ‘guilty’ in sexual exploitation case set for sentencing Friday
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A Nickerson man convicted for three counts of sexual exploitation of a child is scheduled for sentencing Friday.
Shanon Patrick Williams was found guilty by a Reno County jury for taking pictures of his autistic step-daughter who was 13 and 14 years old at the time of the crimes. That included lewd close-ups of the child, some with clothing, but most without. The jury agreed with the states contention that he was trying trade the photos for other pornographic pictures and movies. The crimes allegedly occurring between September 13, 2011 and July 31, 2013.
Judge Trish Rose prior to closing arguments dropped two counts against Williams, that being the aggravated indecent liberties and indecent liberties charges. She said there was not sufficient corroborating evidence to back up his alleged confession to the acts.
However, the three remaining counts still fall under Jessica’s Law, meaning a life sentence with no chance of parole for 25-years.
Hutch woman faces charges of aggravated battery and criminal damage to property
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 44-year-old woman was in court Thursday morning where she was told of the potential charges against her including four counts of aggravated battery and felony criminal damage to property.
Samantha Sprecher is accused of intentionally ramming her vehicle into another with four people inside. This occurring in the 1700 block of East Blanchard around 7:50 p.m.
One of the victims, 25-year-old Joshua Cunningham suffered back pain as a result of the incident and was transported to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. According to police, Sprecher was angry at the four and didn’t want them at her residence anymore.
In court, there was some confusion on bond with the information given to the judge that showed a bond of $25,250, however the jail indicated a bond of $100,000, so the bond was raised to that amount and efforts by Sprecher to get it lowered were denied.
She’s known to law enforcement with convictions for two counts of being in possession of opiates from 2013 and forgey in 2010.
She’ll be back in court on this latest case next Wednesday or whenever the state files formal charges.
Two defendants charged with drug distribution take different paths
Elijah Metheny Malachi Lewis
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 20-year-old Hutchinson arrested in three cases involving the sale of drugs made an agreement with the state and entered “guilty” pleas in all three.
In the first case, Elijah Metheny is charged with the sale of cocaine for a case that goes back to Dec. 17, 2014. In that case, he’s alleged to have sold less then 3.5 grams.
Then on Dec. 27, he’s charged with the sale of cocaine, again less then 3.5 grams. But, he was also charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine along with Malachi Lewis as well as unlawful distribution of a controlled substance using a communications device. That included texting with an undercover officer to make the drug transactions. As part of the agreement, the state dropped counts two and three.
The third case involves the sale of marijuana, conspiracy to distribute marijuana with another man, Spencer Swafford and unlawful distribution of a controlled substance. This case goes back to January 7, 2015. Again, the state dropped counts two and three.
Metheny asked for a reduction of his bond which totals $30,500. Deputy District Attorney Tom Stanton asked that he stay in jail because of the fear that he might go back to using drugs. The judge agreed and denied the request.
Although, Magistrate Judge Randy McEwen excepted the plea, the case was transferred to the court of Judge Rose where sentencing will be on July 10. The cases all fall in whats called a border box meaning the judge has the option of sending him to prison or granting community corrections.
Meanwhile, Malachi Lewis who is charged with the sale of cocaine, conspiracy to distribute cocaine and unlawful distribution of a controlled substance using a communications device waived his right to a preliminary hearing Thursday and entered “not guilty” pleas. He’s free on bond and his case now goes to arraignment of June 1, in front of Judge Tim Chambers.
Wichita man rejects plea offer in drug distribution case
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 32-year-old Wichita man accused in a methamphetamine distribution case here in Reno County was scheduled to be in front of Judge Joe McCarville to enter a plea in the case, but that didn’t happen.
The state had called off their witnesses in the case against Michael Guthrie because they expected him to except their plea offer, but then learned he would reject the plea. Deputy District Attorney Tom Stanton then asked that the judge explain to him that there would be no other plea offers made in the case and that his attorney can’t promise any results once the case goes to trial, in other words, no one knows what a jury will do. They do this so if convicted, the defendant can’t claim ineffective counsel during plea negotiations.
Guthrie is charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell, possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to package a controlled substance, possession of marijuana with a prior conviction and no drug tax stamp.
He was one of four in a vehicle which was stopped by police at 4th & Lorraine back on Jan. 26, 2014.
Others arrested that early Sunday morning was 33-year-old Justin Minsch, 29-year-old Ryan Wright and the driver of the vehicle, 29-year-old Scarletta Hillis.
With Guthrie turning down the plea offer Thursday, Judge McCarville set a new preliminary hearing date of June 3.
He remains jailed on a $75,000 bond.