Post by Shuftin on Jul 23, 2006 12:48:08 GMT -5
A former Sevier County Sheriff's Office deputy pleaded guilty Monday in Sevier County Circuit Court to stealing from a murder suspect last year, according to District Attorney General Al Schmutzer Jr.
Douglas Scott Trentham wasn't offered a plea bargain in the case "because, as a deputy, he took an oath to uphold the law and is held to a higher standard than an ordinary individual," Schmutzer said in a written statement.
The theft occurred during the investigation into the slaying of Kelly Sellers, 23, whose body was found on English Mountain last year. Trentham helped execute a search warrant at the residence of the suspect, John Wayne Blair, and later went back to the home and stole tools, three chain saws and a pressure washer, Schmutzer said.
Trentham, who had been with the department for approximately 18 months, resigned after he was confronted about the theft.
The former deputy faces up to six years in prison for aggravated burglary and up to two years behind bars for theft over $500, according to Schmutzer. Blair was charged with first-degree murder in connection with Sellers' slaying and is expected to go to trial July 11.
Douglas Scott Trentham wasn't offered a plea bargain in the case "because, as a deputy, he took an oath to uphold the law and is held to a higher standard than an ordinary individual," Schmutzer said in a written statement.
The theft occurred during the investigation into the slaying of Kelly Sellers, 23, whose body was found on English Mountain last year. Trentham helped execute a search warrant at the residence of the suspect, John Wayne Blair, and later went back to the home and stole tools, three chain saws and a pressure washer, Schmutzer said.
Trentham, who had been with the department for approximately 18 months, resigned after he was confronted about the theft.
The former deputy faces up to six years in prison for aggravated burglary and up to two years behind bars for theft over $500, according to Schmutzer. Blair was charged with first-degree murder in connection with Sellers' slaying and is expected to go to trial July 11.