When they arrived, the walls of the house were blown out and Manitoba Hydro had to turn off the natural gas line. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Hughes, who on June 24 agreed to a three-year sentence for two felony counts, including first-degree perjury and using his public office for personal gain, was expected to spend at least 10 months in jail according to his plea agreement, but on Sept. 8 he submitted a motion to avoid jail time in favor of a community corrections program along with two years of unsupervised probation. But Baschab rejected the request, ordering the former prosecutor to report to the Lee County Detention Facility within 48 hours. Adam told the court that his mom was a kind, selfless and compassionate woman, who was known for her love of baking, and for her compassion and selflessness toward others. There was a problem saving your notification. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. In September, Hughes filed a motion requesting to avoid jail time and serve his time in a community corrections program. A former prosecutor in Alabama was sentenced Tuesday to at least 10 months in prison for violating the state's ethics laws. The user shall assume all risk and responsibility, and neither the user nor any third parties acting on behalf of, or with the consent of the user, may rely upon any information contained in this website. Extreme care must be taken in the use of the information in this website. Hughes had also testified in his own defence. After pleading guilty, Hughes asked specially appointed Lee County Circuit Judge Pamela Baschab to spare him prison time, claiming that a community corrections program would allow him to continue to provide for his family and pay restitution to the state in his case. Along with the 10-month jail sentence and 2 years of probation, Hughes is ordered to pay $14,000 in restitution to the Lee County District Attorneys Office in order to repay the money he spent in public funds to pay for a sexual descrimination civil suit against him in 2018 as well as $1,350 to Highway 50 Towing, a business in Chambers County related to Hughes now-dismissed charge of conspiracy to commit theft. Hughes originally pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him, but after the second day of trial pleaded guilty to first-degree perjury and one count of using his public office for personal gain and agreed to a three-year sentence for both counts. In total, the judge sentenced Hughes to three years, split to serve ten months. Hughes is free on bond awaiting sentencing. Opelika police identify, charge theft suspects after month investigation, WATCH: Funeral services underway for UGA staffer Chandler LeCroy, Columbus police searches to ID suspect from McDonalds theft, Columbus Police Department searching for hit and run suspect, Harris County community anticipates free health fair in Hamilton, Harris Co. School District, Mercer Medicine set to launch new telehealth program, Swim instructor arrested in 4-year-old Izzy Scott drowning, $14,000 from his offices official budget. Prior to Hughess suspension, he was directly involved in the prosecution of Ibraheem Yazeed, charged with kidnapping and capital murder in connection to the death of Homewood teen Aniah Blanchard. A month later, a jury ordered that he be sentenced to death. Former Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes was sentenced Tuesday for violating the states ethics laws and committing perjury while in office. "My children are very young. Hughes testified he then wanted to take his own life, so he tampered with a gas line in the basement with the intention to breathe it in and die. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Hes now obligated to repay those misused funds. The State of Alabama opposes this motion. "I have spent thousands of dollars and countless hours trying to navigate my post-mom world," said the tall, slender man, speaking through tears. A man found guilty of second-degree murder in the death of his wife is scheduled to be sentenced for the crime in May. We want to commend the career prosecutors and staff of the Lee County DAs office for their commitment to justice and maintaining that office in a professional manner over this very difficult year.. Alabama News Network Staff. Brandon woman remembered for compassion, kindness and love of baking at husband's sentencing hearing | CBC News Loaded. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears said Brandon Hughes was convicted in a two-day trial in March with attempted murder and possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon. On Aug. 25, several people confronted a man at a park in the 3100 block of Baltimore Avenue, near East 30th . Lee County has a new district attorney after Brandon Hughes conviction. Overcast Wednesday Afternoon; Strong Storms Tomorrow Morning, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell tests positive for COVID-19, has 'mild' symptoms, working from home, Man Charged with Murder in Narrow Lane Road Shooting, Pay It Forward: Eddie Brooks, Jr. of Uniontown. Brandon Hughes committed Misdemeanor / Felony under Federal Jurisdiction. Prior to serving on the appellate court, she was a circuit judge in Colbert County, hence the location for Hughess sentencing. 5 Auburn shines in spots at No. During Hughes's trial,Crown and defence lawyers gave very different versions about what happened in the Hughes home the night of the explosion. Hughes was on trial for five ethics violations, perjury and conspiracy to commit theft. Copyright 2021 WBRC. A judge has scheduled sentencing for a former Alabama prosecutor who pleaded guilty to felony charges earlier this year. Hey there, time traveller! LEE COUNTY, Ala. (WTVM) - Former Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes officially has a sentencing court date set. SUMMARY 2022 Career WAR 1.4 1.4 W 2 2 L 3 3 ERA 3.12 3.12 2 Florida, Just incredible: Pearl celebrates success of his former players, Auburn gymnastics moves to No. | In . Mistaken identification may occur when relying solely upon name, age, CDCR number, admitted date and/or current location to identify individuals. In total, the judge sentenced Hughes to three years, split to serve ten months. Jessica Ventiere, who was serving as district attorney pro tem after Hughes arrest, was appointed Lee County district attorney by Gov. User agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless CDCR and the State of California, as well as their elected officials, officers, agents, or employees from and against all claims, damages, and expenses, including the cost of any attorneys fees, arising out of the use of this site by user, whether caused by negligence or otherwise. Hughes was on trial for five ethics violations, perjury and conspiracy to commit theft. A split sentence is hard time and isnt subject to parole. He will also be required to pay back the $14,000 in public funds he used for legal fees to settle a sexual discrimination lawsuit, and he will also be required to pay restitution to a Chambers County business related to his conspiracy to commit theft charge which was dismissed, according to the state. Over six days of trial, the court heard from various witnesses, including firefighters, police officers, neighbours, a DNA expert and a pathologist. 2 Florida, Kanye West secretly gets married, Lisa Marie Presley dies and leaves grief-stricken Instagram post, and more celeb news, Top-five showdown: No. Suspended Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes stands in a Lee County courtroom during his trial on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, in Opelika. A judge has scheduled sentencing for a former Alabama prosecutor who pleaded guilty to felony charges earlier this year. If you believe any information in this site is in error, please contact the CDCR Identification Unit at (916) 445-6713. Former Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes was sentenced Tuesday for violating the state's ethics laws and committing perjury while in office. Edward Seibold, the man found guilty of slaying three innocent girls in 1967, will remain behind bars for at least another five years. In June, Hughes pleaded guilty to first-degree perjury and using his public office for personal gain. The children of a woman who was killed before the Brandon home she shared with her husband was destroyed in an explosion remembered their mom Wednesday as a kind and compassionate woman, with a love of baking and helping others. 5 Auburn shines in spots at No. Hughes was on trial for five ethics violations, perjury and conspiracy to commit theft. Judge Pamela Baschab set a hearing on Oct. 5 for former Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes, who pleaded guilty in June to perjury and using his office for personal gain. Information about some inmates is not included in this website. Hughes lawyers argued that Hughes does not pose a threat to the community. The community program would allow him to receive the rehabilitative care he needs to learn from his mistakes, and he would be able to continue financially supporting his family if he was admitted into the program. In total, the judge sentenced Hughes to three years, split to serve ten months. After the trial, defence lawyer Saul Simmonds said Hughes was feeling broken and the nearly two weeks of trial in the Brandon Court of Queens Bench was difficult for him to get through. In addition to the potential prison time and fees, Hughes, who was suspended from his office after being charged, was removed from the district attorneys office upon the courts acceptance of his guilty plea, the attorney generals office said. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Auburn Buc-ee's opening set for April 2023, Lee County Sheriffs Deputy recovers from exposure to hazardous substance, investigation ongoing, Edward Seibold, man convicted of brutal 1967 Auburn murders, denied parole again, Former Auburn baseball star Sonny DiChiara sounds off on AHSAA ruling against high school coach, Family of Dylan Pegues to hold 5K in honor of late son: We wouldnt feel right doing anything else., Lisa Marie Presley dies at 54 after hospitalization, New Lee County NAACP president begins two-year term and is ready to listen to community needs, An experienced haul: Dissecting Auburns transfer portal success, LEE: Men In Black, Auburn basketball, and when the world is ending, except it isnt, Niffer's Place holding contest to add menu item named for Cadillac Williams, Wong steals show but No. She descried her mom's death as life-altering, and said she struggles with anxiety and an impending sense of doom. You have permission to edit this article. Prior to serving on the appellate court, she was a circuit judge in Colbert County, hence the location for Hughess sentencing. In December of 2019, Hughes announced his office was seeking the death penalty in this case. He wasfound guilty of second-degree murder by a jury last December. This article was published 19/01/2022 (364 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Tampa, Florida - U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle has sentenced T'Andre McNeely (Los Angeles, CA) and Michael Carr (Los Angeles, CA) each to six years and six months in federal prison for wire fraud conspiracy relating to their participation in a large-scale international tax fraud scheme. Blanchards mother, Angela Harris, attended Tuesdays sentencing as a character witness for Hughes. The sentencing came after Hughes, who originally pleaded not guilty to seven felony charges which include five counts of using a position for personal gain, one count of conspiracy to commit theft and one count of first-degree perjury, changed his plea after only two days of trial. Hughes pleaded guilty to first-degree perjury and using his public office for personal gain Thursday. When search suggestions are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. The Alabama Attorney Generals Office announced this afternoon that Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes pleaded guilty to two felonies: perjury in the first degree and the use of his public office for personal gain. A Lee County Sheriffs Deputy is said to be recovering from exposure to a hazardous substance that investigators said could have been Fentanyl. A split sentence is hard time and isnt subject to parole. Vanderhooft said Wednesday the Crown is seeking a sentence of 17 years without parole, saying Hughes's actions were "reckless" and he has shown no remorse. Hughess convictions stem from giving false information to a Lee County Grand Jury and using $14,000 from his offices official budget to litigate a settlement in a sex discrimination claim filed against him by a female prosecutor who was a former employee. He tampered withthe gas supply to the boiler in the home's basement,causing a massive explosion, Vanderhooft said. Betty Hughes, 63, was killed in October 2019 before the home in Brandon's Green Acres neighbourhood she shared with her husband, Robert Hughes, blew up. Hughes will be sentenced at a later date . A split sentence is hard time and isnt subject to parole. Kay Ivey on July 29. Hughes was also ordered to pay $1,350 in restitution to Highway 50 Towing in Lannett in relation to a dismissed charge that alleged Hughes stole a pickup truck by using a Lee County warrant to seize the vehicle. Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement updated 7/1/2022). While Hughes previously had been suspended from office as a result of his indictment, the courts acceptance of his plea of guilty caused his removal from office as a matter of law. Barry Matson, the executive director of the Alabama District Attorneys Association, thanked the Alabama Attorney Generals Office on behalf of his organization for its work in the prosecution of Hughes and the staff of the Lee County DAs Office for getting through the difficult process. Hughes was originally suspended as district attorney after his indictment in 2020 and has been removed from public office as a result of his conviction. The capital murder trial of Grady Wayne Wilkes, who is accused of murdering Auburn Police Officer William Buechner, will begin on Feb. 6. His. As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed. Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community! I have read the disclaimer and agree to all of these terms and conditions. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. 7 with two road scores, Date set for capital murder trial of man accused of murdering Auburn police officer in 2019, District judge revokes bond of man charged in Bramblett deaths, Opelika police ask for help identifying to female suspects allegedly involved in theft from Best Buy, Auburn Police arrest two juveniles on burglary and theft charges, Opelika man arrested in connecting to shooting incident at Piggly Wiggly, In Vienna, balls are back with a bang after a two-year pandemic-induced hiatus, Why Floridas manatees are dying off at record pace, 45 dead, 20 still missing as Ukraine ends tower block search, Fed official says rate hikes are beginning to work. Judge Pamela Baschab set a hearing on Oct. 5 for former Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes, who pleaded guilty in June to perjury and using his office for person gain, WTVM-TV reported. Sentencing for former Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes has been postponed from its original date of Tuesday following the Monday death of a law clerk. Former Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes was sentenced Tuesday for violating the state's ethics laws and committing perjury while in office. 5 Auburn gymnastics takes on No. by Alabama News Network Staff The Alabama Attorney General's Office announced this afternoon that Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes pleaded guilty to two felonies: perjury in the. "I am a different person than before my mom's death," said Adam, reading Ashley's written statement aloud to the court. Michael Brandon Hughes. Ivey issues limited State of Emergency in St. Clair County to address Moody landfill fire, Funeral services announced for Country Boy Eddy, livestream viewing available, $14,000 from his offices official budget. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Brandon Hughes, aged 24, of The Croft, Westhoughton, pleaded guilty to committing the offence. Sentencing for former Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes has been postponed from its original date of Tuesday following the Monday death of a law clerk for the defense, according to Richard White, an attorney for Hughes. He said Betty was a great person who will be missed, while maintaining his version of events as presented at the trial. In pleading guilty in late June, Hughes admitted to lying for providing false testimony under oath to the special grand jury and pleaded guilty to hiring his children to work in his office. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. His defense requested he serve a non . Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your California Privacy Rights (User Agreement updated 1/1/21. "I've also struggledto maintain relationships with my mother's large and loving family," he said. All rights reserved (About Us). Travis Foster said on the first day of the trial Betty was found inside the destroyed house with a multitude of cuts and lying in a pool of blood. It will be rescheduled for a later date that has not yet been set. Alex Hosey, Former Lee County District Attorney. At times, survival has meant pushing people away who just want to help. 7 with two road scores, Date set for capital murder trial of man accused of murdering Auburn police officer in 2019, District judge revokes bond of man charged in Bramblett deaths, Opelika police ask for help identifying to female suspects allegedly involved in theft from Best Buy, Auburn Police arrest two juveniles on burglary and theft charges, Opelika man arrested in connecting to shooting incident at Piggly Wiggly, In Vienna, balls are back with a bang after a two-year pandemic-induced hiatus, Why Floridas manatees are dying off at record pace, 45 dead, 20 still missing as Ukraine ends tower block search, Fed official says rate hikes are beginning to work. The capital murder trial of Grady Wayne Wilkes, who is accused of murdering Auburn Police Officer William Buechner, will begin on Feb. 6. Hughes cited his long career as a prosecutor and his desire to serve the public in asking the judge to let him serve time in a community corrections program, which would allow him to stay at his home at night, but the judge refused after prosecutors objected. Hughes is requesting to serve in a community corrections program that allows him to remain at home instead of serving 10-months in jail. The gas filled the room, though, and exploded after catching on a pilot light. or call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527. The defense said those actions werent illegal and didnt hurt Hughess job performance. If you believe any information in this site is in error, please contact the CDCR Identification Unit at (916) 445-6713. Police identified the third suspect as Joshua Williams III, who remained silent as police escorted him away from MPD Headquarters on his way to Metro Jail. He was sentenced Tuesday to 27 years with 25 spent in prison. The inmate's current location is in Plainfield, Indiana, and you can visit . Please subscribe to keep reading. "I struggle to be the friend Ionce was and often feel guilty about that," he said, adding he is still haunted by the trauma and grief of his mom's death. Responding officers said they confirmed that forced entry had been made into the business. The defenceis seeking a period of 10 years before parole eligibility. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Share your story ideas, tips and feedback: riley.laychuk@cbc.ca. A statement from the couple's other child, Ashley, was also read in court. The person was sentenced to serve prison time and is held captive in the IN DOC - Heritage Trail Correctional Facility (HTCF) - GEO. His defense requested he serve a non-custodial sentence in a community corrections program, which was denied. Former Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes (Lee County Detention Center). "My wish is that someone in this case would listen to her dying words. He is now scheduled to be sentenced on May 18. "Mr. Hughes recognizes that he could have behaved differently," saidSimmonds, adding there was no prior suggestion of abuse or violence of any kind by his client. Former Lee Co. DA sentenced to jail for violating ethics law while in office. According to the states response to the defenses motion filed Sept. 9, state prosecuting attorneys said, if Hughes were approved by the court to serve his time in a community program, it would show favoritism of the elite.. A MAN has been fined 66 by magistrates after he was caught working as a scrap metal dealer at. CDCR makes no representation, express or implied, that the information on this site is complete, timely or accurate. Hughes was being tried before specially-appointed Lee County Circuit Judge Pamela Baschab. Testimony during the trial described Hughess office as a frat house where employees drank alcohol on site and played video game consoles, pointing to an abuse of trust and taxpayer dollars. Blanchards mother, Angela Harris, attended Tuesdays sentencing as a character witness for Hughes. At . Retired Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals Judge Pamela Baschab sentenced former Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes for the ethics violation and committing perjury while in office. Starting at $14.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website. Defence lawyer SaulSimmondstold the court that it was Betty who started an altercation in the home, and she ultimately stabbed herself with one of Robert's utility knives as the couple fought in their kitchen. His defense requested he serve a non-custodial sentence in a community corrections program, which was denied. He said Betty grabbed a knife at one point and he was trying to control her arms. She said she is still seeking a therapist who can help her cope. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). 5 Auburn gymnastics takes on No. Taylor, 19, has been in jail at the Lee County Justice Center since Dec. 13 when he was booked for parole violation after testing positive for marijuana. Criminal court records & sentencing information on Brandon Hughes at Mold Crown Court. "I will forever live with the grief of losing my mother and the trauma caused by her death," read Adam. A second-degree murder conviction carries an automatic life sentence. The case was prosecuted by the Alabama Attorney Generals Special Prosecutions Division lead by Clark Morris, which specializes in ethics violations and public corruption. It may contain errors or omissions, and may not reflect the true name, age, CDCR number, current location, admitted date, or parole eligible date of any individual. If Hughes violates the terms of his sentence he will be required to serve 3 years. A Lee County Sheriffs Deputy is said to be recovering from exposure to a hazardous substance that investigators said could have been Fentanyl. Hes now obligated to repay those misused funds. Firefighters then saw Hughes with a noose around his neck in the destroyed house, the court heard. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) provides this Inmate Locator as a public service to promote public safety and welfare while giving access to selected offender information. (Riley Laychuk/CBC) Hughes was pulled from the rubble with a rope around his neck, and with a utility knife in his. In December of 2019, Hughes announced his office was seeking the death penalty in this case. An Opelika man has been arrested in connection to a shooting incident that allegedly occurred Monday morning at Piggly Wiggly located at 1515 . Authorities . The people of Lee County and all Alabama citizens expect and deserve the highest ethical standards and professionalism from every person in the criminal justice system, especially prosecutors. He has a court date for sentencing on March 19. April 19, 2014 12 AM PT. The explosion on Oct. 22, 2019, left the Hughes's Brandon house in ruins. Family members and supporterswearing puzzle piece-shaped pins saying "Betty" could be heard sobbing as Adam spoke to the court. In no event shall CDCR, the State of California, or any elected officials, officers, agents or employees be liable for any damages, of any nature whatsoever, including those arising out of the use of, or the inability to use, this service or reliance on information provided in this website. Prior to Hughess suspension, he was directly involved in the prosecution of Ibraheem Yazeed, charged with kidnapping and capital murder in connection to the death of Homewood teen Aniah Blanchard. Hes now obligated to repay those misused funds. Justice Scott Abel reserved his decision, which will be delivered at a later date. Blanchards mother, Angela Harris, attended Tuesdays sentencing as a character witness for Hughes. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Inmate spouses talk concerns at Gatesville prison units LEE COUNTY, Ala. ( WRBL) - Former Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes and his attorneys are trying to keep him from serving his ten-month prison sentence behind bars. Construction of the provisions of this disclaimer and resolution of any disputes related to this website on the information contained herein are governed by the laws of the State of California and shall be filed in Sacramento County.