AL AL - Brittney Wood, 19, Mobile, 31 May 2012 - #13

[reedus23]

Randall Scott Wood
GUILTY PLEA(Baldwin County) - 2nd Degree Sodomy - Class B Felony - 2 to 20 years
GUILTY PLEA(Mobile County) - Plea is anticipated for 10/30 - Unknown charges at this time

Donnie Holland Jr.
GUILTY PLEA(Baldwin County) - Granted Youthful Offender Status so charges/sentence unknown

Dustin Kent
GUILTY PLEA(Baldwin County) - 2nd Degree Rape - Class B Felony - 2 to 20 years
GUILTY PLEA(Baldwin County) - 2nd Degree Sodomy - Class B Felony - 2 to 20 years
GUILTY PLEA(Mobile County) - 2nd Degree Rape - Class B Felony - 2 to 20 years
GUILTY PLEA(Mobile County) - 2nd Degree Sodomy - Class B Felony - 2 to 20 years

Derek Wood
GUILTY PLEA(Baldwin County) - Granted Youthful Offender Status so charges/sentence unknown

William Brownlee
2nd Degree Sodomy - Class B Felony - 2 to 20 years
2nd Degree Sexual Abuse - Class A Misdemeanor - Not more than 1 year
Failure to Appear - Traffic - n/a
2nd Degree Sodomy - Class B Felony - 2 to 20 years
New Charges
First Degree Rape - Class A Felony - 10 to life
First Degree Rape - Class A Felony - 10 to life
First Degree Sodomy - Class A Felony - 10 to life
Sexual Abuse of Child < 12 yrs old - Class B Felony - 2 to 20 years
Unrelated Charges
Burglary - Unknown what degree
Criminal Mischief - Unknown what degree

Wendy Wood Holland
Endangering Welfare of a Child - Class A Misdemeanor - Not more than 1 year
1st Degree Sodomy - Class A Felony - 10 to life
Sexual Torture - Class A Felony - 10 to life
Sexual Abuse of Child < 12 yrs old - Class B Felony - 2 to 20 years
New Charges
First Degree Sodomy - Class A Felony - 10 to life

Chessie Wood
1st Degree Sodomy - Class A Felony - 10 to life
1st Degree Sodomy - Class A Felony - 10 to life
Sexual Abuse of Child < 12 yrs old - Class B Felony - 2 to 20 years
Failure to Appear - Traffic matter - unrelated

Mendy Kent
1st Degree Sodomy - Class A Felony - 10 to life
Sexual Abuse of Child < 12 yrs old - Class B Felony - 2 to 20 years

Nelson "Butch" Morgan
1st Degree Rape - Class A Felony - 10 to life
Sexual Abuse of Child < 12 yrs old - Class B Felony - 2 to 20 years

James Cumbaa
1st Degree Rape - Class A Felony - 10 to life
1st Degree Sodomy - Class A Felony - 10 to life
Sexual Abuse of Child < 12 yrs old - Class B Felony - 2 to 20 years

Jennifer Moore
2nd Degree Sexual Abuse - Class A Misdemeanor - Not more than 1 year
Production Child - Class A Felony - 10 to Life

UNRELATED BUT CONNECTED

Homer Brownlee
2nd Degree Rape - Class B Felony - 2 to 20 years

Tried to update to clean it up with regard to the recent pleas. As always, please let me know if any charges are wrong, need to be added or need to be removed.

 

[reedus23]

Sorry to be hogging the thread but just a couple other thoughts.

Regarding the thought of if 10 years is good enough through a plea, it should be the same after a conviction. While I understand the feeling, I do have to disagree. There are other factors that go into recommending a sentence through a plea beyond simply what the DA is adequate given the nature of the crimes. As with any trial, there is always a risk of losing at trial. Eliminating that risk holds value and so a DA will reduce the amount of time in order to eliminate that risk. Trying a case has costs associated with it (both monetarily and psychologically for witnesses/victims). Eliminating those costs holds value and so a DA will reduce the amount of time in order to eliminate those costs. What they will not do is reduce the amount of time they recommend to a point that it does not adequately reflect the harm done. So by rejecting the deal, the DA will and should seek more following a conviction.

IMO Brownlee screwed himself with his comments. While a DA may very well put the offer on the table again, he should have kept quiet like the others and waited things out even if he didn't want the deal currently. With more adults/offenders lining up to presumably testify in addition to the victims, him and all the remaining have as close to a zero chance of winning as there can be.

Regarding the plea deals...Maybe it happens at sentencing, but where I'm at, typically when a plea of guilty is accepted, there is a recitation of the facts that lead to the guilty plea. The defendant has to admit in open court "I did this, then we did that, this is where, this is when." to make sure they're not pleading guilty to a crime they didn't commit. Anyone aware if this type of recitation of the facts occurred while the pleas were accepted?

As to the sentences, I wouldn't be surprised to see DK and RSW to get 10-15 years. Probably less, if anything, for DHJr. and DW. I doubt the two counties will make them serve them consecutively meaning they will serve one term of ten years that satisfies both the sentence of 10 years from Baldwin County and the sentence of 10 years from Mobile County.

I would presume that part of the deal included the defendants having to give LE a complete statement (confession) of what occurred. I am curious if they were required to give such a statement as to ALL known incidents, whether charged or uncharged, known or unknown. I would certainly hope so. If there are other victims who simply haven't come forward or other people involved that we weren't aware of, this was the opportunity to get that information. Just as or more importantly, I hope these deals include full disclosure and cooperation with regard to what happened to Brittney and that failure to be 100% forthright and honest and cooperative will result in the pleas being withdrawn and the full charges re-instated.

On a final note, I never gave the "friends" much thought before and had focused so much on the "family" when it comes to Brittney. I'm beginning to wonder if, in fact, it was one of the "friends" who had less attachment to Brittney and therefore less hesitation to do something to her that is responsible. Gonna have to go back and re-read y'all's thoughts on the "friends".

 

[reedus23]

Grrrrrr. Sorry. But one last thing and I'm done. I swear. But comments like this PISS ME OFF!!!! DK's attorney:

The entire situation has been "an embarrassment to him and his loved ones," he said.

Who gives one flying you know what about him and his loved ones (half of whom are charged anyways). An embarrassment? Really? How about remorse for the victims? How about concern over how you have screwed these innocent children for the rest of their lives and robbed them of their innocence and childhood? How about admitting you're a sick frick, not just an embarrassment?

Sorry. Rant and posts over.

 

[KateB]

Mendy and Wendy's 1st degree sodomy charges from the 10/22/2013 Sweep in Mobile Co were reduced to 2nd degree sodomy.
This article does not specifically address the change but does state the updated level of degree for their sodomy charge. That's the only change I saw, reedus.
Published 11/25/2013
http://blog.al.com/live/2013/11/brittney_woods_aunts_denied_bo.html

Holland and Kent are facing one count each of second-degree sodomy. In addition, Kent faces one count of sex abuse of a child less than 12 years old.
Their cases were sent to a grand jury in November, although Assistant District Attorney Nicki Patterson said she doesn't expect the charges to be heard until 2014.

 

[Deleted member 718]

Chessie Wood Background
By Bob Grip Published: August 7, 2014, 7:35 pm
http://fox10tv.com/2014/08/07/chessie-wood-background/

video and short refresher at link.
video only: http://youtu.be/1bB1QyUzlCY

Fox10 video on youtube from other post: Dustin Kent, Chessie Wood enter pleas in sex abuse case http://youtu.be/xEY0sjhSGIE

 

[Nacho]

Grrrrrr. Sorry. But one last thing and I'm done. I swear. But comments like this PISS ME OFF!!!! DK's attorney:


Who gives one flying you know what about him and his loved ones (half of whom are charged anyways). An embarrassment? Really? How about remorse for the victims? How about concern over how you have screwed these innocent children for the rest of their lives and robbed them of their innocence and childhood? How about admitting you're a sick frick, not just an embarrassment?

Sorry. Rant and posts over.

Well said. This isn't some minor incident, a drunk nudie run or something. They violated children, which will affect them for the rest of their lives. He is disgusting and the situation is just sick. No one should care about how he feels, only the victims.

I cannot wait until these matters are dealt with, the scum forgotten, and the focus purely on finding Brittney.

 

[*Lash*]

I agree with many here. Dustin, Scott, Derek and Paul Jr. have likely agreed to testify for the prosecution. I am hoping their testimony will be enough so the children will not have to testify in court. I do not want these to kids to endure any more pain! However, sometimes facing your abuser can be a powerful healing moment. I wonder if a victim impact statement can be given at sentencing in these cases? These kids are strong, brave and heroes. I hope they know their bravery stopped generations of abuse and stopped another child from being abused by these scums. I want to dedicate a song to them.

Bette Midler, "Wind Beneath My Wings"

http://youtu.be/jorJh8DTMVM

 

[reedus23]

I hate to say it, but I think the children will still testify. As harsh as it sounds, I think I would even want them testifying. You have to put the victims in front of a jury. Juries would be apt to believe the adults are lying just to get reduced deals. A jury would have a hard time not giving justice to a little kid with the kid sitting right there in front of them telling them what happened. Thankfully, even with everything they've gone through, these young kids sound like they are brave, strong souls.

Yes, at sentencing, victim impact statements can be given or read. That comes after convictions obviously.

 

[Curious Me]

Saw that Jennifer Moore will be allowed to leave Alabama. Apparently, she has a job in another state.

Updated: Monday, August 11 2014, 06:02 PM CDT
Suspect Can Leave Ala. for Work
http://www.utv44.com/shared/news/fe...s/wpmi_suspect-can-leave-ala-work-13635.shtml

"The 11th person charged in an alleged child sex ring involving several members of Brittney Wood's family and family friends will be allowed to leave Alabama for work."

 

[tidbit]

Unbelievable that JM can leave the state. Controlling my fingers on this keyboard. I am livid. Prayers for all victims and their loved ones.

 

[jns207]

Unbelievable that JM can leave the state. Controlling my fingers on this keyboard. I am livid. Prayers for all victims and their loved ones.

To be fair, isn't she still wearing a GPS tracking device? That would minimize any concern about her being a flight risk. If JM wants to work and be a productive member of society until her trial, should we really discourage her from doing that?

 

[Curious Me]

I don't know, I feel kind of let down sometimes by the way people are able to get out of doing prison time and go on with their lives. The victims don't have the luxury of forgetting all about it. The victims have to struggle with the bad memories for a lifetime. There's also the fact that Brittney is still missing. IMO, some of these people know what happened to her.

It almost feels like Justice is losing its steam, or maybe I'm just impatient.

 

[KateB]

Unbelievable that JM can leave the state. Controlling my fingers on this keyboard. I am livid. Prayers for all victims and their loved ones.

I agree. I get slight solace in thinking maybe this is more common when living so close to a state border. Maybe the job is in Pensacola and still an easy commutable distance from Mobile.

 

[Curious Me]

I agree. I get slight solace in thinking maybe this is more common when living so close to a state border. Maybe the job is in Pensacola and still an easy commutable distance from Mobile.

I think, just my understanding, she may be taking a job in New Orleans.

 

[Curious Me]

Had to look it up because I had no idea if she was going far with her ankle bracelet.

The driving distance from Mobile, Alabama to New Orleans, Louisiana is: 144 miles

 

[DocBrew]

Just unreal. This case has ticked me off since its inception. Brittney's murderer killed himself early on, IMO. That's why LE is seemingly focused more on the reason for her disappearance rather than the disappearance itself.

JMO.

 

[jns207]

Had to look it up because I had no idea if she was going far with her ankle bracelet.

The driving distance from Mobile, Alabama to New Orleans, Louisiana is: 144 miles

Dang, okay, I take back the sentiment of my previous message if that's true. I kind of assumed the job was just over the Florida border or something. I couldn't remember where JM was currently residing, so going off the Robertsdale address from the prison records, I figured that the Florida border just 15 miles away made interstate travel for work fairly reasonable. New Orleans is a whole different ball game, imo. For one, the possibility of flight/disappearance/etc. is greatly increased in a place like New Orleans. Also, I got the impression that she was traveling back and forth for work. That's quite a commute, so I'm thinking she's been given permission to live out of state, not just work out of state?

 

[Curious Me]

Soothing myself with the consideration that perhaps JM got that privilege to work out of state from being very cooperative and giving up some important information. No, we can't just forget all about what she did and she wasn't in jail long enough, IMO. Anyways, I have no idea what's really going on in this sex ring case anymore. Hopefully, it is not falling apart. It's irritating to say the very least.

The victims deserve to see true Justice, and certainly Brittney's loved ones deserve to finally know what happened to her and where she is.

 

[KateB]

Just unreal. This case has ticked me off since its inception. Brittney's murderer killed himself early on, IMO. That's why LE is seemingly focused more on the reason for her disappearance rather than the disappearance itself.

JMO.

It's possible and one of the simplest theories that Donald did indeed kill Brittney before taking himself out, but that logic doesn't work when we now know that there is more than one other surviving female victim as well as Derek and probably more male victims, too. Why would Donald single Brittney out and not any one of the others that could also testify against him? That's what makes me lean towards his "suicide" could very well be staged. November will be a year that Fox10 reported the suicide investigation was being reopened but I don't think there's been any public updates since then.
http://youtu.be/hyE-dsx42WA
FOX10 video that accompanied this post that is no longer online: http://www.fox10tv.com/news/local/mobile-county/letters-point-to-motive-for-murder
For reference:
http://www.websleuths.com/forums/sh...NLY-**NO-DISCUSSION**&p=10009024#post10009024
Posted by Lash - "Authorities are taking a second look at the apparent suicide of Donald Holland, Sr. Authorities to reopen Donnie's suicide investigation."

 

[jns207]

Soothing myself with the consideration that perhaps JM got that privilege to work out of state from being very cooperative and giving up some important information. No, we can't just forget all about what she did and she wasn't in jail long enough, IMO. Anyways, I have no idea what's really going on in this sex ring case anymore. Hopefully, it is not falling apart. It's irritating to say the very least.

The victims deserve to see true Justice, and certainly Brittney's loved ones deserve to finally know what happened to her and where she is.

Your first sentence is also what I started thinking about after you mentioned New Orleans. They are granting her a lot of leeway, even considering the GPS tracker. It makes me curious whether the prosecution challenged the request for modified bail terms. If they didn't, that could suggest that JM is fully cooperating in the investigation/pre-trial process, imo. Another thought (and please bear with me as it's just a thought), is that JM's involvement is more limited than many of us believe. I know there's been much discussion on here about JM's level of knowledge/involvement in both the sex ring and Brittany's disappearance. But imo, if we're honest with ourselves, the verified information about JM is still still so scant compared to the rest of the bunch. Perhaps the prosecution does believe that JM's level of involvement is minimal and/or she is fully cooperating in building a case against the other, more heinous, perps and/or they have already worked out some kind of deal for her if she participates in any trials that come to fruition and/or any of that leniency will be off the table if she, in any way, abuses the favorable terms of her modified bail. But again, I'm not trying to say that any of these are or aren't at play - I'm just throwing these out as thoughts, possibilities, etc. for the sake of brainstorming.