Circuit Judge R. Ferrell Cothran of Clarendon County held a term of General Sessions Court in Dillon last week where several matters were handled.
Assistant Solicitor Shipp Daniel picked a jury in one of several cases the State has against Anthony Cook, a Dillon man who had a total of 17 pending indictments. Daniel was set to try Cook on four of those indictments when Cook decided at the last minute to plead guilty.
Judge Cothran sentenced him to 14 years on two counts of burglary in the second degree, one count of grand larceny, one count of possession of stolen goods and one count of criminal conspiracy.
The court also held bond hearings on several cases. Huey Locklear and Nikki Turner, parents of four-month-old Caleb Locklear, were each granted $30,000 personal recognizance bonds. According to the facts Assistant Solicitor Daniel told the Court at the bond hearing, Caleb Locklear died in 2006 with a blood alcohol content of .16, thereby providing the basis for the charge of homicide by child abuse. A trial date has not yet been set.
Daniel is also prosecuting Devante McNeil, who was charged with the recent killing of Damien Simpson at a party outside of Latta. Daniel argued that McNeil should be given no bond and remain in jail, and Judge Cothran agreed.
Willie Morrison, charged in the 2012 murder of Latta resident Jesse Barr, was denied a request to have his bond lowered. Daniel told the Court that trial is set for next month.
Sammy Scarborough, charged with several counts of criminal sexual conduct with a minor involving several victims, also had his bond request denied. Daniel told the Court he is working with the Attorney General’s Office and is planning to have that case ready for trial in November.
Several other guilty pleas and bond matters were taken up during the week. The October term begins October 7 with Judge Paul Burch presiding.
