He was previously based at CBC's bureau in Brandon for six years, covering stories focused on rural Manitoba. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. A month later, a jury ordered that he be sentenced to death. Former Lee Co. DA sentenced to jail for violating ethics law while in office, Reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley report to prison, Gov. The Opelika Police Department asks for the publics assistance in identifying two suspects allegedly involved in a theft. 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. Former Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes was sentenced Tuesday for violating the states ethics laws and committing perjury while in office. A Lee County Sheriffs Deputy is said to be recovering from exposure to a hazardous substance that investigators said could have been Fentanyl. When they arrived, the walls of the house were blown out and Manitoba Hydro had to turn off the natural gas line. 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. On Aug. 25, several people confronted a man at a park in the 3100 block of Baltimore Avenue, near East 30th . 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. Unauthorized attempts to change the information in this website are strictly prohibited and may be subject to criminal prosecution and/or civil liability. Ventieres appointment comes after the conviction of former District Attorney Brandon Hughes, who pleaded guilty to a felony violation of the State Ethics Act and first-degree perjury Thursday. "I am still trying to make sense of what happened.". Former Lee Co. DA sentenced to jail for violating ethics law while in office. He has a court date for sentencing on March 19. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Brandon Police Service Const. "My wish is that someone in this case would listen to her dying words. The sentencing hearing will be to determine how many years in prison he must serve before he is eligible for parole. Please subscribe to keep reading. The Alabama Supreme Court appointed retired Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals Judge Pamela Baschab to preside over the case. At . In September, Hughes filed a motion requesting to avoid jail time and serve his time in a community corrections program. He tampered withthe gas supply to the boiler in the home's basement,causing a massive explosion, Vanderhooft said. 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. This article was published 19/01/2022 (364 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. 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. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Suspended Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes stands in a Lee County courtroom during his trial on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, in Opelika. "I have reluctantly come to accept that I will never be the person I once was. The case was prosecuted by the Alabama Attorney Generals Special Prosecutions Division lead by Clark Morris, which specializes in ethics violations and public corruption. TUSCUMBIA, Ala. (WBRC) - The man elected to uphold the law in Lee County will now serve ten months in the Lee County Jail. Hughes plea deal includes a three-year sentence, split to serve 10 months in jail. He was sentenced Tuesday to 27 years with 25 spent in prison. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. The defense said those actions werent illegal and didnt hurt Hughess job performance. 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. The capital murder trial of Grady Wayne Wilkes, who is accused of murdering Auburn Police Officer William Buechner, will begin on Feb. 6. Brandon Hughes gets probation, no prison, in rape of 15-year-old girl By Stephen Lee stephen.lee@capjournal.com May 24, 2017 Updated Sep 24, 2019 6 Brandon Hughes escaped any time behind bars. 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 wasfound guilty of second-degree murder by a jury last December. Farnworth, was sentenced to a 7pm to 7am curfew for eight weeks. Justice Scott Abel reserved his decision, which will be delivered at a later date. 5 Auburn shines in spots at No. 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. He said Betty was a great person who will be missed, while maintaining his version of events as presented at the trial. 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. Former Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes was sentenced to 10 months in state prison after pleading guilty in June to two ethics violations, Alabama Attorney General Steve. The CSC put out a release Wednesday afternoon naming the deceased inmate as Robert Hughes, who "had been serving an indeterminate sentence for second-degree murder since June 6, 2022," Responding officers said they confirmed that forced entry had been made into the business. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Now, more than ever, we need your support. Lee County has a new district attorney after Brandon Hughes conviction. 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. His defense requested he serve a non-custodial sentence in a community corrections program, which was denied. 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. The Crown, led by Chris Vanderhooft, told the jury that the couple had ongoing marital issues and Betty had planned to leave Robert. 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. Prior to serving on the appellate court, she was a circuit judge in Colbert County, hence the location for Hughess sentencing. 5 Auburn gymnastics takes on No. Hes now obligated to repay those misused funds. Audience Relations, CBC P.O. If you believe any information in this site is in error, please contact the CDCR Identification Unit at (916) 445-6713. Detail Information about inmate Brandon Hughes - Public Records. 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. TUSCUMBIA, Ala. (WBRC) - The man elected to uphold the law in Lee County will now serve ten months in the Lee County Jail. Pre-murder Adam and post-murder Adam are two different people.". Hughes, 47, turned himself in to the Lee County Sheriffs Office on Nov. 8, 2020, on multiple felony charges, which included five counts of using a position for personal gain, one count of conspiracy to commit theft and one count of first-degree perjury. Hughes abruptly entered a plea agreement in this case on the second day of his trial in June 2021. Authorities . 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. Closed Captioning and Described Video is available for many CBC shows offered on CBC Gem. If Hughes violates the terms of his sentence he will be required to serve 3 years. 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. His defense requested he serve a. 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. 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. Ventiere will serve as the countys acting district attorney until Governor Kay Ivey makes an appointment to fill the position, with the next election for the position to take place in 2022, with primaries to be held in May and the general election to be held in November. Hughes to be sentenced for second-degree murder in May, Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies. In total, the judge sentenced Hughes to three years, split to serve ten months. A second-degree murder conviction carries an automatic life sentence. Source by: Stringr, No person is above the law, Matson said. The State of Alabama opposes this motion. The gas filled the room, though, and exploded after catching on a pilot light. 2 Florida, Just incredible: Pearl celebrates success of his former players, Auburn gymnastics moves to No. If Hughes violates the terms of his sentence he will be required to serve 3 years. Former Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes was sentenced Tuesday for violating the state's ethics laws and committing perjury while in office. The case was prosecuted by the Alabama Attorney Generals Special Prosecutions Division lead by Clark Morris, which specializes in ethics violations and public corruption. (Riley Laychuk/CBC) Hughes was pulled from the rubble with a rope around his neck, and with a utility knife in his. Robert, addressing the court, described his wife's death as the "worst possible outcome. ", "I died two-and-a-half years ago," he said, in a brief statement to the court. She descried her mom's death as life-altering, and said she struggles with anxiety and an impending sense of doom. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. If Hughes violates the terms of his sentence he will be required to serve 3 years. 5 Auburn shines in spots at No. He pleaded not guilty to the charge. 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. A split sentence is hard time and isnt subject to parole. Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes (Lee County Detention Center), Former Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes was sentenced to 10 months in state prison after pleading guilty in June to two ethics violations, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshalls office announced Tuesday. 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. 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 June, Hughes pleaded guilty to first-degree perjury and using his public office for personal gain. Former Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes (Lee County Detention Center). Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community! Hes now obligated to repay those misused funds. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Adam said he no longer considers Robert a father figure, and that his mother's death has affected other relationships in his life. His defense requested he serve a non-custodial sentence in a community corrections program, which was denied. "I will forever live with the grief of losing my mother and the trauma caused by her death," read Adam. In December, Robert Hughes, 65, was found guilty by a jury of 12 people of killing his wife, Betty Hughes, before their east end house blew up. 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.. "I strive to lead a life that she would be proud of.". Sentencing Date. 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. Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement updated 7/1/2022). If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. His defense requested he serve a non . If you need an inmate's conviction information, you may contact the court or jurisdiction. The capital murder trial of Grady Wayne Wilkes, who is accused of murdering Auburn Police Officer William Buechner, will begin on Feb. 6. Hes also required to pay back the Lee County District Attorneys Fund $14,000 in legal fees related to the use of public office for personal gain charge. But Baschab rejected the request, ordering the former prosecutor to report to the Lee County Detention Facility within 48 hours. 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. 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. Information about some inmates is not included in this website. SUMMARY 2022 Career WAR 1.4 1.4 W 2 2 L 3 3 ERA 3.12 3.12 Brandon Hughes committed Misdemeanor / Felony under Federal Jurisdiction. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Eventually, the two ended up on the kitchen floor and Betty was dead. 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. Betty's final words, he said, were "The kids think of the kids.". Michael Brandon Hughes - Sentencing Date | Post prayer requests | Pray for Others | Manage Prayer Lists | Track Prayer History | Create Prayer Groups . A man found guilty of second-degree murder in the death of his wife is scheduled to be sentenced for the crime in May. "My mom was always there for me in the best of times and the worst of times," said Adam Hughes, the couple's son, ina victim impact statement delivered in Brandon's Court of Queen's Bench on Wednesday, as part of Robert Hughes's sentencing hearing. 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. "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. 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. He was transported to the Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre, where he was arrested by Brandon police on Oct. 25. Responding officers said they confirmed that forced entry had been made into the business. . Copyright 2021 WBRC. At times, survival has meant pushing people away who just want to help. They will grow up without both grandparents.". 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. 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. TUSCUMBIA, Ala. . Hughes will appear in court on November 9 at 1:30 p.m. CST at the Colbert County Courthouse. You have permission to edit this article. In December of 2019, Hughes announced his office was seeking the death penalty in this case. Former Lee County District Attorney Pro Tem Jessica Ventiere is the countys new acting district attorney, according to orders from the Lee County circuit and district courts signed Monday. 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