Pool-stick robber avoids trial, pleads guilty

 

A man accused of first degree rape will get a mental evaluation to determine whether he is competent to stand trial and can participate in his own defense.

Jeremy Curry, 22, was arraigned Wednesday in Lawrence County Common Pleas Court. His attorney, Philip Heald, entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity, Bowling granted the motion and ordered the necessary evaluations.

Assistant Lawrence County Prosecutor Mack Anderson asked for a substantial bond for Curry “based on the plea and the seriousness of the charge.”

Bowling set bond at $1 million cash bond and added $100,000 own recognizance (OR) bond to it.

The prison sentence for a person found guilty of the first degree rape of a child under the age of 13 is life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Curry is accused of raping a 2-year-old girl at his home last month.

Curry gave an address of 211 Township Road 263 in South Point when he was booked into the Lawrence County Jail. The prosecutor’s office and municipal court lists his address as 1324 S. First St. in Ironton.

Also Wednesday, a man accused of holding up a gasoline station with a pool stick preempted the need for a trial by pleading guilty.

Shortly after Bowling set an Oct. 25 trial date, Jeffrey S. Adkins, 43, of 1509 S. Fourth St., Ironton pleaded guilty to robbery and tampering with evidence. The robbery charge was amended from the original charge of aggravated robbery.

Bowling sentenced him to a total of six years in prison.

Adkins asked for a brief furlough before being sent to prison.

“I’d like to get out and see my mom and dad. Dad is getting old and this might be the last time I see him alive,” Adkins explained. Bowling denied the motion but agreed Adkins could have a supervised visit with his family in the courtroom.

Terra Bennett, 36, of 1120 Township Road 218, Ironton, pleaded guilty on a bill of information to one count of fifth-degree felony theft.

Bowling sentenced her to four years community control sanctions under intensive supervised probation.

She must also successfully complete a rehabilitation program at the STAR Community Justice Center, pay $2,790 in restitution and perform 200 hours of community service.

She is accused to stealing from Hughes Carryout on State Route 650 in Pine Grove.