Probation for child endangerment

Monday afternoon in Hot Springs District Court, Jessica Bledsoe was sentenced to four years supervised probation on a charge of endangering a child — exposure to methamphetamine. The charge stems from a May 17, 2017 incident during which an officer assisting with a welfare check on juveniles observed a substance that later tested positive for meth in Bledsoe’s residence.

Though sentenced to a prison term of two to four years, that sentence was suspended for the probation. A $3,000 fine against Bledsoe will also be suspended upon successful completion of the probation.

Prior to sentencing, there was some discussion regarding wording and changes to the pre-sentence investigation. However, it was determined that the plea agreement Bledsoe entered into would still be used.

Speaking to the court, Bledsoe said she didn’t believe prison would be beneficial to her or her family. She pointed out that she has a good job and has passed numerous urine analyses.

Also in District Court, Andrew Poss pleaded not guilty to seven counts including felony counts of possession of meth with intent to deliver, possession of meth and two counts of property destruction over $1,000, and misdemeanors of leaving the scene of an accident, interfering with an officer and use or under the influence of a controlled substance — meth.

The charges are from a Jan. 5 incident, during which Poss was allegedly using methamphetamine outside a local business. The charges further allege Poss, when leaving the area, smashed into the patrol unit of the responding officer and property of the business, and later fled from officers on foot.

Though a modification of bond was presented to the court, attorney Marcia Bean noted Poss was a potential flight risk and his bond was continued at $50,000. If found guilty of the charges, he faces a maximum sentence of almost 50 years in prison and fines of over $75,000.

Tyler Asay pleaded not guilty to possession of meth (two or more prior convictions) and possession of marijuana (third offense). The charges stem from a Jan. 12 incident during which Asay was stopped by an officer who was previously noted he was on an “arrest and hold” stipulation for an alleged probation violation. A backpack Asay had was found to contain substances that tested positive for marijuana and meth.

Asay has two prior convictions for possession of the substances, in March and May of 2017. If found guilty of the current charges, he faces a maximum 22 years in prison and $20,000 in fines. Though he has entered a not guilty plea, it was indicated during Monday’s proceedings that there is a plea agreement coming that will address the district court charges as well as a probation revocation in circuit court.