GREENUP —
Two women who had been scheduled to go to trial this week for operating a methamphetamine lab in their home pleaded guilty Monday in Greenup Circuit Court.
Kristy Kelly, 36, and Laura Riley, 38, both entered guilty pleas to the charge of manufacturing meth. In so doing, they agreed to each accept 10-year prison sentences, which is the minimum for the Class B felony. The maximum is 20 years.
Greenup Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Melvin Leonhart said because of the proliferation of meth cases in the county, his office had adopted a get-tough policy in regard to those charged with offenses related to the drug. He said it was the policy of the office to not reduce charges in meth cases, meaning offenders who plead guilty must agree to a sentence of at least 10 years.
“Meth is a scourge,” said Leonhart, who’s running unopposed for commonwealth’s attorney in next month’s general election. “You’ve got to take a hard-line stance on that.”
Under state sentencing guidelines, Kelley and Riley must serve at least 25 percent, or 2 1/2 years of their sentences before they can be considered for parole. They can also earn “good time” while incarcerated and will be credited with time they’ve already spent in custody. However, according to a recent study, offenders in Kentucky are rarely granted parole the first time they seek it.
Kelly and Riley were arrested in November when Kentucky State Police raided their home on Mound Branch Road, off Smith Branch in rural Greenup County, after receiving a tip there was a lab there. When troopers arrived, they found several precursors used in the production of meth.
Judge Bob Conley scheduled Kelly’s and Riley’s final sentencings for Nov. 15.
KENNETH HART can be reached at khart@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2654.
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