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REPEAT FELON SENTENCED IN CONTRABAND CONSPIRACY CASE

District Attorney W. Dewayne Richardson announced this week that Johnathan Sutton pled guilty Monday, November 2nd, in Washington County Circuit Court to the charges of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Conspiracy to Introduce Contraband into the Washington County Regional Correctional Facility.

Sutton chose instead to plead guilty to the charges brought against him rather than to proceed to trial.  Sutton was sentenced to 10 years with the Mississippi Department of Corrections, with 4 of those years to be served behind bars.

The charges stemmed from a 2016 incident wherein inmates at the Washington County Regional Correctional Facility were caught receiving and introducing contraband within the jail.  Sutton was charged with conspiring with others to introduce such contraband into the WCRCF.  The remaining Defendants face an upcoming trial date for their charges.

The case against Sutton was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney M. Austin Frye, who expressed his appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the Washington County Sheriff’s Department, who oversee and protect the regional facility.  Frye stated that: “Violators are constantly coming up with new ways to introduce dangerous items into our jails, including drugs, weapons and communication devices.  Through the prosecution of Johnathan Sutton, the Washington County Sheriff’s Department is showing that not only are they diligent in their endless efforts to maintain order and safety within our jail, but that they are also very effective.  Those violators who attempt to contraband into our jail will be caught and punished.”

Breaking News

26th
May
26th
May

JOHN SCATES, JR. FOUND GUILTY OF AGGRAVATED ASSAULT WITH ENHANCEMENT

Greenville, MS—John Scates, Jr., 49, of Greenville was found Guilty of Aggravated Assault with a Firearm Enhancement in Washington County following a two-day jury trial, District Attorney Dewayne Richardson announced today. The State presented evidence to the jury at the […]... read more

24th
May
24th
May

DRIVER SENTENCED TO MAXIMUM FOR SHOOTING EX, KILLING BABY

Greenville, MS—Jonathan Driver of Etta, MS, was convicted of Second Degree Murder and Attempted Murder in Washington County following his guilty pleas on Monday, District Attorney Dewayne Richardson announced today. With his trial scheduled to take place in July, Driver […]... read more

11th
May
11th
May

WILLIE PAM CONVICTED IN HOLLANDALE MURDER

Greenville, MS- District Attorney W. Dewayne Richardson announced this week that Willie Pam pled guilty Monday, May 10th, in Washington County Circuit Court to the charges of Second Degree Murder and Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon. With the […]... read more

20th
April
20th
Apr

GREENVILLE RAPIST SENTENCED TO 18 YEARS

Greenville, MS— District Attorney W. Dewayne Richardson announced today that Henry Ransom pled guilty Monday, April 19th, in Washington County Circuit Court to the charge of Sexual Battery. With the case set for trial this week before Circuit Judge Richard […]... read more

resources

Attorney General

www.ago.state.ms.us

MDOC

www.ms.gov

Federal Prisoners

www.bop.gov

Sex Offender Registry

state.sor.dps.ms.gov

AG Victim Unit

www.ago.state.ms.us

Our Mission

The mission of the District Attorney’s Office for the Fourth Circuit Court, under the direction of
W. Dewayne Richardson, is to seek justice in order to maintain an environment of safety, security and lawful behavior for the citizens of the Fourth District.

The Office of the District Attorney uses lawful and reasonable methods to successfully identify and prosecute those who commit felony crimes. When a crime occurs, the Office of the District Attorney diligently pursues the indictment and conviction of those responsible, while adhering to all rights of the Victim, ensuring the victim is being provided all direct services applicable, and acknowledging all constitutional safeguards for the accused.

The District Attorney’s Office for the Fourth
District’s goal is to work with law enforcement and the judiciary to punish those who break our laws with adequate punishment. Every representative of the Office of the District Attorney pledges their commitment and full support to the protection of all citizens within the Fourth Circuit Court District.

Contact

Greenville Office
P.O. Box 426
Greenville MS 38702
[P] 662.378.2105
[F] 662.332.4665
generalinfo@msdeltada.com

Indianola Office
P.O. Box 1046
Indianola, MS 38751
[P] 662.887.4306
[F] 662.887.6275
generalinfo@msdeltada.com

Greenwood Office
P.O. Box 253
Greenwood, MS 38935
[P] 662.453.1089
[F] 662.451.7291
generalinfo@msdeltada.com

Judicial Process

Citizen's Involvement in the criminal justice system typically begins with them being a victim, witness, or defendant of a crime. Arrests are made generally by a judge-issued warrant or by a police officer observing a crime in process. Law enforcement may also arrest someone if it has probable cause to believe the person committed a criminal offense. When individuals are arrested they are routinely advised of their Miranda Rights upon arrest, advising them that they have the right to remain silent and that anything they say will be used against them in court. On being questioned, defendants have the right to have their attorney present or to have one appointed if they are indigent.

Felony defendants appear at a first appearance and have the charges reviewed. A judge will inquire if the defendant has an attorney. If low income, the defendant may qualify for a court-appointed lawyer. No plea is entered at this time unless the defendant wishes to plead guilty or waives indictment and has an attorney present. All felony cases are presented to a grand jury in the county that the crime was committed. In the State of Mississippi, only a grand jury has the authority to indict an individual for a felony offense and require them to stand trial for the charges alleged in an affidavit and indictment.

If an indictment is issued, the defendant is bound over to stand trial or enter a guilty plea to the crimes alleged. When a criminal trial occurs all 12 jurors must find the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Sentences are decided by Circuit Court Judges in all criminal matters. In most cases a recommendation is made regarding imprisonment, probation, fines and restitution.

Municipalities


• City of Greenville

• City of Hollandale
• City of Leland
• City of Metcalfe

• Washington County
• City of Indianola
• City of Ruleville
• City of Drew

• City of Moorhead

• City of Inverness

• City of Sunflower

• Sunflower County

• City of Itta Bena

• City of Greenwood

• Leflore County

Disclaimer of Liability

The information contained in this web site is provided for general informational purposes only and is not to be relied upon as legal advice. With respect to any information found on this web site, neither the Office of the District Attorney, 4th District, nor any of its employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, including the warranties of merchantability and aptness for a particular purpose, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the inaccuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information conveyed. Nothing contained in the Web site is intended to constitute a promise, expressed or implied, by the Office of the District Attorney, 4th District to engage in any undertaking. The Washington County District Attorney's Office is not responsible for the contents of any off-site pages referenced. These links are provided as an information service only.

To the extent that pending criminal matters are discussed in this website, you are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The materials on this Web site are copyrighted. Copying, reproduction, or distribution of any part of this Web site is prohibited without the prior written consent of the Office of the District Attorney, 4th District. However, downloading and printing of materials from this web site is allowed for the personal use of visitors to the web site. In fact, such use is encouraged.

Indemnification

User agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless, the Office of the District Attorney, 4th District web site, its contributors, any entity jointly created by them, their respective affiliates and their respective directors, officers, employees, and agents from and against all claims and expenses, including attorney's fees, arising out of the use of the on-line service by user in reference to any claim however caused and on any theory of liability, whether in contract, strict liability, or tort (including negligence).

Office of the District Attorney, 4th District