On July 23, 2021, Dillon Waybright appeared before Judge James Courrier, Jr. for sentencing. Previously, Mr. Waybright entered an “Alford/Kennedy” plea of guilty to five counts of the felony crime of child neglect creating risk of serious bodily injury with each count carrying a possible sentence of not less than one nor more than five years in prison.
Prosecuting Attorney Savannah Wilkins argued her case for approximately an hour and during that time she presented the testimony of Sgt. C.A. Teter of the Tucker County Sheriff’s office, introduced numerous photos of the home, and played video and audio recordings of the investigation before requesting that the court impose the maximum sentence on the Defendant.
Next to address the court was Heather Weese, Guardian ad Litem for the children, who was emotional during her statement to the court, and she additionally requested the maximum sentence. James Hawkins argued that Mr. Waybright should receive probation due to having no prior criminal history, no violations while he was released on bond, and because he was employed and seeking counseling. Finally, Dillon Waybright addressed the Court. Judge Courrier then ordered that Mr. Waybright be sentenced to 1-5 years on each count running consecutively for a total sentence of 5-25 years in prison. He was then taken into custody by Sgt. Teter.
Next on the docket was Melissa Waybright, and her trial was scheduled for October 25, 2021.
Finally, the court addressed sentencing on Jason Adkins, who had previously plead guilty to one count of the felony crime of failure to appear which carries a possible sentence of not less than one nor more than five years in prison. Mr. Adkins is currently serving another sentence for a separate charge of breaking and entering and requested that this charge run concurrently to the sentence he is serving. Judge Courrier denied that request and ordered that this sentence of 1-5 years run consecutively to the sentence he is serving.
