Bench Warrant Issued for Defendant Who Failed to Appear for Sentencing

 
 
An offender who was to appear in Starke Circuit Court yesterday for his sentencing hearing now has a bench warrant out for his arrest.

William “B.J.” Trent was charged with Forgery and Theft and was to be sentenced after his attorney, Richard Ballard, and the state came up with a discretionary plea.

Ballard told the court that this matter was set for sentencing on Feb. 5, but due to Trent’s car issues and inclement weather, the hearing was rescheduled to Wednesday’s date. Judge Kim Hall noted that his sentencing hearing was to begin at 3 p.m. and it was 3:42 p.m. and he still had not appeared for the hearing. Judge Hall was wrapping up several initial hearings that were set before Trent’s sentencing.

Ballard stated that he attempted to call the phone number Trent provided the court while the initial hearings were taking place, but he was unable to make contact. Trent’s absence prompted Judge Hall to issue a bench warrant for his arrest.