DEFENDANT ABSCONDS FROM TREATMENT; SENTENCED TO PRISON

Dewayne RichardsonBreaking News, Mississippi Delta DA 4th District

Greenville, MS—Alexander Hamel was remanded to the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections following a sentencing hearing on the 5th of April, District Attorney Dewayne Richardson announced today.

On August 6, 2019, a local resident contacted the Washington County Sheriff’s Office to report a burglary of his automobile. Detectives with the Sheriff’s Office arrived on scene and began to investigate. They discovered dried blood in the engine compartment of the truck and its battery was removed. The ignition wires on the ATV had also been cut. Through their investigation, Alexander Hamel was developed as a suspect. Investigators made contact with Hamel regarding the burglary. While speaking with Hamel, a laceration was observed on his hand. During the interview, Hamel admitted to breaking into the truck and attempting to steal the ATV. He further advised that he cut his hand while removing the truck’s battery in hopes of using it to “hotwire” the ATV. 

Upon agreement with the State, Hamel pled guilty to Auto-Burglary and Attempted Grand Larceny—but his convictions were withheld in order to allow him to complete Intervention Court commonly known as “Drug Court.” If successful, his charges would be dismissed and immediately expungable. Hamel failed to honor his part of the agreement and absconded from treatment within days of him arriving to begin the process. He was then arrested and brought back before the court. Senior Circuit Judge Ashley Hines adjudicated Hamel guilty and sentenced him to a total of 17 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections as two years to serve and the remainder suspended and under supervision.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Kaylon McCou. “The District Attorney’s Office will continue to meet each and every defendant where they are and seek the fairest resolution under the facts and circumstances of each case. It is unfortunate that not every individual will fully appreciate the opportunity before them.” he commented.

Our office greatly appreciates the investigative efforts of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.