Starke Circuit Court Hears Numerous Initial Hearings Thursday

Starke County Courthouse

Thursday was a busy day for the Starke Circuit Court, where several initial hearings were heard.

Daily James Potter received his initial hearing in the court and received a number of important dates, including his attorney status hearing on June 6 at 9 a.m. His first pre-trial conference will take place July 18 at 8 a.m., with his second pre-trial conference and plea agreement deadline on August 16 at 8 a.m. Potter is charged with Aggravated Battery as a Class B felony, Robbery as a Class B felony, and Battery as a Class C felony. His bond remains at $75,000, and he was ordered to have no contact with the victim in his case.

Brenan Sanchez faces charges of Aggravated Battery as a Class B felony, Robbery as a Class B felony, Battery as a Class C felony, and Pointing a Firearm as a Class D felony. His attorney status hearing is set for June 6 at 9 a.m. He is held on a $75,000 surety bond, and is to have no contact with the victim.

Joshua Whitfield, charged with Auto Theft as a Class D felony, was also present for his initial hearing. His first pre-trial conference is scheduled for July 18 at 9 a.m. with his second pre-trial conference and plea agreement deadline on August 17 at 8 a.m. Whitfield requested pauper council and was appointed Attorney Timothy Lemon. He is held on a $15,000 surety bond and ordered to have no contact with the victim in his case.

Sonny St. John also received his initial hearing in the Starke Circuit Court. Accused of breaking into the M.C. Smith Funeral Home in Knox, St. John pleaded not guilty to Burglary as a Class B felony and Residential Entry as a Class D felony. His attorney status hearing will take place on June 6 at 9 a.m., with his first and second pre-trial dates to take place along with Whitfield and Potter.