Full slate greets new Commonwealth's Attorney

New Commonwealth’s Attorney Haley Jo Fields and staff will have a busy week in Clay Circuit Court.

Jury trials are scheduled beginning Tuesday, with Alfred Francis facing charges of theft by unlawful taking, burglary 3rd, and escape 2nd degree.  Francis was convicted in 2023 in the death of J.D. Hacker.  Francis was found guilty of manslaughter 2nd for his involvement in the April 2019 two-vehicle accident on Ky. 66.

Dennis Burkhart, who was also set for trial on Tuesday, was charged with theft by lawful taking, fleeing or evading police, and criminal trespassing.

On Wednesday, Jessica Hicks and Jason Smith will stand trial for flagrant non-support.

Three trials are set for Thursday, January 16th, with Elliott Westberry on charges of complicity to traffic marijuana, complicity to traffic in a controlled substance, and assault 1st in a separate case.

Bobby Joe Grubb will stand trial for three counts of wanton endangerment 1st and leaving the scene of an accident.

Trials get underway on Tuesday, January 21, with Mallory Messer defrauding assistance program, Matthew Harris for fraudulent insurance acts, complicity to criminal mischief 1st, and complicity to arson 2nd.  Also on trial in that case is Toleman Hubbard for complicity in committing fraudulent insurance acts, arson 2nd, and criminal mischief 1st.