A Knox man accused of setting his business on fire will not stand trial a second time. C&C Salvage owner James Campbell’s second proceeding was supposed to start Monday. He was arrested on an arson charge about two weeks after a fire destroyed his business on U.S. 35 at Toto Road in March of 2014. A jury trial last March ended with a hung jury following 12 hours of deliberations. Continue reading
Arson Defendant Comes to Court Late Without an Attorney
A Knox man whose business burned under suspicious circumstances in March of 2014 is still looking for an attorney to represent him in his upcoming arson trial. James Campbell’s two defense attorneys withdrew from his case in early June, citing nonpayment for legal services. He’s accused of setting fire to Starke County Recycling at the corner of U.S. 35 and Toto Road. The jury in Campbell’s March arson trial was unable to reach a verdict after 12 hours of deliberations. Continue reading
Final State’s Witnesses Scheduled to Testify in Arson Trial
The final witnesses for the state are set to testify today in the arson trial of a Knox businessman. James Campbell is accused of setting fire to the buildings that housed his tire shop and recycling center at the corner of U.S. 35 and Toto Road last March. On Friday Chief Deputy Prosecutor Mary Ryan indicated she plans to call three additional witnesses. The witnesses for the defense will testify tomorrow, and closing arguments are anticipated on Wednesday. Campbell is charged with arson as a Class A felony and faces between 20 and 50 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 if convicted. Continue reading
Judge Kim Hall Rejects Plea Agreement in Arson Case
Starke Circuit Judge Kim Hall rejected a plea agreement in the case of Sally Morin in a hearing Wednesday morning.
Morin, 48, of San Pierre is accused of arson with the intent to defraud as a Class C felony. It is alleged that she intentionally set her kitchen on fire at her Knox home by pouring gasoline and lighting it on fire on March 27, 2013. She admitted to the act in court in that she initially meant to claim insurance money.
Jury Trial Scheduled for Today in Starke Circuit Court
A jury trial will be held in Starke Circuit Court today.
Brad Allen is facing charges of dealing in methamphetamine, a Class B felony, and possession of precursors and/or chemical reagents, a Class D felony. The alleged incident occurred on June 3, 2013.
A 12-member jury will be seated this morning and opening statements and witness testimony will occur following the seating of the jury.
September Trial Date Set for James Campbell
An amended date has been set for a trial for James Campbell. A full week will be dedicated for the jury trial beginning Monday, Sept. 22 at 9 a.m. in Starke Circuit Court.
Campbell is charged with arson, a Class A felony, to which he has pleaded not guilty. He is accused of intentionally setting a fire at C&C Salvage at the corner of Toto Road and U.S. 35 south of Knox on Thursday, March 20. Eight fire departments were called to the business to put out the extensive fire.
David Heineman, Sr. Sentenced to Six Years on Meth Charge
David Heineman, Sr. was sentenced in Starke Circuit Court Wednesday morning.
Heineman, Sr. pleaded guilty to a a Class B felony charge of Possession of Methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school. Heineman, Sr. admitted in open court that on Apr. 7, 2012, he did possess the drug while at his residence on Lake Street, which is less than 1,000 feet from the Marshall/Starke Head Start school.
Cheryl Paschen Appears in Court for Plea and Sentencing Hearing
Cheryl Paschen made an appearance in the Starke Circuit Court Thursday for her plea and sentencing hearing. She had previously posted bond and was on home detention for three months, but on October 20th, she was removed from monitoring and has been staying with her parents.
Chief Deputy Prosecutor Mary Ryan told Judge Kim Hall that she would need written approval for Community Corrections confirming Paschen is eligible for home detention as part of the plea agreement. In addition, the state will need to check and ensure that warrant issues in LaPorte County and Florida will not interfere with the defendant’s ability to successfully complete the agreement.
Two Appear for Initial Hearings in Starke Circuit Court
Robert Reed made his initial appearance in court yesterday, where he pleaded not guilty to Robbery as a Class B felony, Receiving Stolen Property as a Class D felony, Resisting Law Enforcement as both a Class D felony and a Class A misdemeanor, and Habitual Traffic Violator.
Brett Kersey Sentenced to 20 Years
Twenty-two-year-old Brett Kersey pleaded guilty in Starke Circuit Court on Tuesday to one count of Child Molestation as a Class A Felony. Kersey was sentenced to 20 years in the Department of Corrections with five years of that sentence suspended to be served on probation. In addition, he will be placed in the Sex Offender Maintenance and Monitoring program, complete a sex offender treatment program, possess no obscene material, consent to random computer searches, and a whole host of other rules and regulations as part of his probation.
Kenneth K. Wallace’s Attorney Files Motion to Dismiss Case in Starke Circuit Court
Kenneth K. Wallace made an appearance in the Starke Circuit Court Tuesday morning. Wallace’s attorney told Judge Kim Hall that he was interested in obtaining field notes from officers on duty that had responded to the incident. In addition, he requested several other forms of information that he says he was not provided with as part of the discovery process.
