By Brian Smith
Register News Writer
RICHMOND — Madison Circuit Judge William G. Clouse conducted a closed-door hearing Thursday afternoon in the case of three Richmond police officers accused of influencing the statements of a witness. Details of the hearing, which was conducted at noon in the third-floor hearing room of the Madison County Courthouse, were not available Thursday. Madison County Sheriff Nelson O’Donnell and Sheriff’s Detective Steve King were seen leaving the room after the hearing. As of Thursday afternoon, a Monday trial date still was scheduled for Sgt. James “J.J.” Rogers and officers Brian Hensley and Garry Murphy. The three officers are accused of influencing the statements of a woman, April McQueen, who was questioned by the sheriff’s department regarding a possible sexual assault committed against her by the officers. Diversion in theft case A 21-year-old woman charged with felony shoplifting for taking $1,100 in jewelry from JCPenney on the day after Thanksgiving entered a guilty plea Thursday. Judy M. Kinsey, of Villa Drive, entered the plea after prosecutors agreed to diversion in the case, meaning Kinsey will not serve time in prison. Kinsey admitted to Clouse during her plea that she put the items in her purse and attempted to leave the store, and surrendered the items to police when stopped. Sentencing is scheduled for Monday, May 3. Theft plea James Mason Shanks, 37, pleaded guilty to three theft charges and a receiving stolen property charge as part of a plea agreement that could send him to prison for as long as three years. Two of the theft charges stem from Shanks charging additional materials to the account of a former employer, while the other two charges were the result of Shanks selling a stolen firearm to a relative, he said during his plea. Under the terms of the plea, each of the charges carried a one-year sentence, and the sentences for two of the theft charges will run concurrently. Prosecutors agreed to remain silent about how the other sentences will be served, meaning Shanks could spend up to three years in prison. Brian Smith may be reached at bsmith@richmondregister.com or at 624-6694. For breaking news, follow Brian at www.twitter.com/RR_BSmith.
