By Ronica Shannon
A man suspected of robbing the downtown branch of Madison Bank on Monday, Nov. 2, appeared briefly Thursday in Madison Circuit Court for state charges to be dismissed against him after charges were filed in federal court.
Leon Noland Jr., 47, of Francis Street, originally was charged with first-degree robbery after he was arrested Nov. 3 shortly after 1:30 a.m. and charged with first-degree robbery, said Sgt. Willard Reardon, Richmond Police Depart-ment spokesman.
Madison County Attorney Marc Robbins dismissed the charges because a charge (or charges) were filed against Noland in federal court earlier this week.
When contacted for comment, Kyle Edelen, spokesman for the U.S. attorney’s office in Lexington, declined comment Thursday as to what federal charge (or charges) Noland is facing, saying justice department policy prevents him from commenting about matters that are not yet public record.
A man fitting the description of the suspect, and later identified as Noland, was spotted at Walmart the day after the robbery on the Eastern Bypass by Richmond Police Maj. Steve Gregg, who summoned officers to the store, Reardon said.
Noland was in custody at the Madison County Detention Center on a $75,000 cash bond until Thursday, when he was taken into federal custody, according to detention center personnel.
Woman attempted to hide drugs in cruiser
A woman who allegedly attempted to hide narcotics in the back seat of a police cruiser also appeared Thursday in circuit court, where she pleaded guilty to several charges and was sentenced to 28 days (not including time already served) in the Madison County Detention Center.
According to Thursday’s court docket, Misty L. Downey, 29, of Edwards Avenue, was facing charges of tampering with physical evidence, three counts of third-degree possession of a controlled substance, third-degree terroristic threatening, first- and second-degree alcohol intoxication, theft by unlawful taking, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and contempt of court.
She pleaded guilty Thursday to one count of attempting to tamper with physical evidence, one count of third-degree possession of a controlled substance, third-degree terroristic threatening, theft by unlawful taking and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.
All other charges were dismissed by Robbins.
Downey was arrested Thursday, Oct. 29, on a warrant issued Oct. 15.
In October, Downey reportedly borrowed a car from someone and did not return it at the agreed-upon time, Reardon said. The victim also reported that she had allegedly taken $170 from his wallet.
A warrant for Downey’s arrest was issued Oct. 15 after the report was made.
Police found Downey on Oct. 29 at the intersection of E. Main Street and Estill Avenue and placed her under arrest.
She allegedly attempted to conceal a Valium pill, a Soma pill and two Neurontin pills in the police cruiser’s back seat while en route to the detention center, Reardon said.
Ronica Shannon can be reached at rshannon@richmondregister.com or 624-6608.
