Prosecutors have recommended a five-year prison for a Williamsburg man, who broke into a home last month.
Joseph Huddleston, 28, of Williamsburg, was indicted by information on a charge of third-degree burglary. Prosecutors recommended a five-year prison sentence.
On July 21, he entered an Emlyn home with intent to commit another crime. According to his arrest citation, one of the homeowners found him hiding in a bedroom. When Whitley County Sheriff Bill Elliotte arrived, he appeared to be trying to exit through a bedroom window before Elliotte put him on the floor and handcuffed him.
Felony cases get to circuit court in one of two ways. The most common way is that evidence is presented to a grand jury, which issues an indictment against an individual.
The second way is indictment by information. An indictment by information is an expedited way to resolve criminal cases more quickly and it involves the defendant and the prosecutor reaching an agreement on the criminal charge(s) against a defendant. It also usually, but not always, involves a plea agreement with prosecutors regarding the charges and a recommended sentence in the case.
According to court documents, a total of five other people were indicted by information during the month of August in Whitley Circuit Court.
- Douglas Dixon, 58, of London, was indicted by information for first-degree forgery and theft of identity of another without consent. On Oct. 18, 2024, he falsely made, completed or altered a written instrument by producing a check totaling $840 and made a financial or credit transaction using another person’s identity. Prosecutors recommended a five-year prison sentence.
- Leland Ferguson, 56, of Corbin – first-degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine). Prosecutors recommended a one-year prison sentence.
- Clifford Smith, 41, of Corbin – first-degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine). Prosecutors recommended a one-year prison sentence.
- Theresa Burnette, 52, of Williamsburg – two counts of first-degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine and drug unspecified). Prosecutors recommended a three-year prison sentence that will be probated after she serves six months in jail. However, Burnette can receive day-for-day jail credit for time she spends in a long-term rehabilitation facility. A probated sentence means that if a defendant stays out of trouble during their probation period, then they won’t have to serve any additional jail or prison time.
- Cindy Privett, 56, of Williamsburg – first-degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine). Prosecutors recommended a probated two-year prison sentence.
