The trial of the State versus Demonta Dewayne “Gangster” Gardner is scheduled to begin Monday, officials at District Attorney Forrest Allgood’s office said. Gardner, 18, of 917 11th Ave. S, was arrested in September 2011 and charged with armed robbery and burglary of a dwelling. He was arrested with Bobby Adonis Bluitt, 18, of 609 South Gaywood Ave., Tevin Rashad Oglen, 18, of 494 Dogwood Blvd., Jeremy Billups, 17, of 412 E. Gaywood Ave., Corey Jamar Lathan, 17, of 384 Long Drive and Michael Satterfield, 17, of 1622 for allegedly participating in the robbery of a home at the Sandpiper Apartments at 320 Eighth St. N.
The victim stated the subjects made her lie face down and cover her head with a blanket during the robbery. The subjects allegedly stole a flat screen television, a cordless phone, a cellular phone, various medications and an undisclosed amount of cash.
The trial of former youth leader Benjamin Shelton is scheduled to begin Monday as well. Shelton, of 924 Third Ave. N., a former Sunday school teacher and part-time youth leader, who is charged with three counts of sexual battery, is scheduled to begin Monday with Judge Lee Howard presiding. Shelton is represented by Columbus attorney Rodney Ray.
Shelton, an owner of Stewart’s Antiques and Appraisals at 925 Third Ave. N. in Columbus, was arrested Jan. 22, 2009 by Lowndes County sheriff’s deputies after investigators learned he may have sexually abused a 17-year-old boy at a church camp setting while he was a church youth leader.
Akela Jarrod Young, 19, of 1613 7th Ave. S, is set for trial on Monday for a 2010 aggravated assault charge. Young was most recently arrested in April and charged with disobeying a police officer, contempt of court and resisting arrest.
Justin Richardson, 21, of 144 Kelly Cove in Columbus, was arrested Nov. 20, 2011 and charged with armed robbery. His trial is also scheduled to begin Monday.
The following were arraigned in Lowndes County Circuit Court:
· Tyrone D. Cowson was arrested in Nov. 2011 and charged with robbery. His trial is set for Aug. 20.
· Tommy Dora, Jr. was arrested Jan. 3 and charged with burglary. His trial is set for Aug. 20.
· Natayia J. Evans was arrested in May 2012 and charged with possession of cocaine and possession of marijuana more than one ounce. Her trial is set for Aug. 20.
· Taquanda M. Hooks was arrested in 2010 and charged with robbery. Her trial is set for Aug. 20.
Bernard Jeffries was arrested in January and charged with failure to register as a sex offender. His trial is set for Aug. 20.
· Danielle A. Stokes was arrested and charged with burglary. Her trial is set for Aug. 20.
· Bernice Lile was arrested in September 2011 and was charged with embezzlement from her employer, Gordman Insurance Services. Her trial is set for Sept. 5.
Jeff Clark was previously a reporter for The Dispatch.
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