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Joe P. Asher

Staff Writer

A December 2011 incident has led to an eight-year prison sentence for a Lynch man.

Demetric Washington, 27, appeared for final sentencing in Harlan Circuit Court on Thursday.

According to a five count indictment handed down by the Harlan County Grand Jury, Washington was charged with multiple offenses including unlawful imprisonment and assault.

The indictment states that on or about Dec. 19, 2011, Washington committed the offense of unlawful imprisonment when he knowingly and unlawfully restrained another person under circumstances which exposed that person to a risk of serious physical injury. The indictment notes Washington held Kimberly G. Coots at knife point and beat her.

Washington was indicted on charges of first-degree unlawful imprisonment, second-degree assault, first-degree burglary, second-degree criminal mischief and violation of a Kentucky EPO/DVO.

The case was investigated by Cumberland Police Officer Silas Whitehead.

Washington entered a guilty plea Thursday on five counts, with the burglary charge amended down to criminal trespassing.

Washington stood for sentencing in front of Special Judge James Bowling with his attorney, Laura Karem, of the public defender’s office. Bowling sentenced Washington to eight years in prison and Washington exited the courtroom in custody.

In other court activity:

* Michael Johnson, 30, of Cumberland, was sentenced on the state’s recommendation to one year in prison on a charge of criminal mischief. Johnson was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $2,400;

* Gary Thomas, 32, was sentenced to three years in prison, probated, on a charge of second-degree trafficking a controlled substance. Thomas was ordered to pay $130 in restitution with probation to be supervised;

* Teddy Smith, 28, of Cawood, was sentenced on a charge of theft by unlawful taking to three years in prison. Smith must also pay $500 in restitution;

* Kelly Bailey, 23, of Bledsoe, was sentenced on a charge of third-degree burglary to three years in prison, probated for three years. Bailey was ordered to complete drug court as a condition of probation;

* Abelino Torres Jr., 41, of Dayhoit, was granted five years probation on a five year sentence for possession of a methamphetamine precursor on the state’s recommendation. Torres was ordered to pay court costs in the amount of $130.50.

Reach Joe P. Asher at 606-573-4510 or jasher@heartlandpublications.com