Haleigh Marie Cummings #35 4/22/10 - 5/04/10

[no rose colored glasses]

My thoughts about the $250,000.00 fine.

If Hope ever tries to sell a story about this case (and I have no doubt someone will be there to listen, media I mean) State can get the money..smart move on the states part, however it might be part of law dunno.

OS

That sure would make sense.  OMG the entire family minus one son in court, this is a first for me   

[no rose colored glasses]

My thoughts about the $250,000.00 fine.

If Hope ever tries to sell a story about this case (and I have no doubt someone will be there to listen, media I mean) State can get the money..smart move on the states part, however it might be part of law dunno.

OS

I believe it is the law. Goes along with the 15 year minimum sentence.

http://www.thelawman.net/PracticeAreas/Florida-Drug-Trafficking-Statutes.asp

Good luck collecting that money 

[Brandi]

My thoughts about the $250,000.00 fine.

If Hope ever tries to sell a story about this case (and I have no doubt someone will be there to listen, media I mean) State can get the money..smart move on the states part, however it might be part of law dunno.

OS

That sure would make sense.  OMG the entire family minus one son in court, this is a first for me   

Misty does not appear until June 3.

But that is a lot of Croslins there on May 13!

[GramaMonkey]

The FULL MOON today is bringing out the crazies.  Two more men shot now in Orange County.  One man found in a field in St. John's and another man found dead in a car outside an apartment building. 

[no rose colored glasses]

The FULL MOON today is bringing out the crazies.  Two more men shot now in Orange County.  One man found in a field in St. John's and another man found dead in a car outside an apartment building. 

OMG, I tell you always trouble with a full moon 

[Nut44x4]

The man in the field has been ID'd  Vincent Binder, 29, Missing 4-2-10 Tallahassee, FL

[ospainter]

UCN: 542010CF000143XXAXMX
File Date: 2010-01-21   Judge: TERRY J LARUE    
Defense Atty: BEECHING, MARCELLA ANN

Defendant
SYKES, HOPE A

2010-04-27      DEFENDANT ENTERED PLEA OF NOLO CONTENDERE CNT: 1
2010-04-27      VERDICT OF NO TRIAL CNT: 1
2010-04-27      DEFENDANT APPEARED PRES W/ATTY FOR NO TRIAL TRIAL CNT: 1
2010-04-27   39   SCORESHEET FILED
2010-04-27   40   SENTENCING MINUTES:DEFT PRES, ATT BY MARCELLA BEECHING
2010-04-27   40   ADJUDGED GUILTY OF TRAFFICKING IN HYDROCODONE
2010-04-27   40   14-28 GRAMS
2010-04-27   40   15 YEARS DOC WITH 97 DAYS CREDIT - MINIMUM MANDATORY
2010-04-27   40   $395 COURT COSTS
2010-04-27   40   $50 PUBLIC DEFENDER APPLICATION FEE
2010-04-27   40   $100 PUBLIC DEFENDER ATTORNEY FEE
2010-04-27   40   $100 COST OF PROSECUTION
2010-04-27   40   $15 TO THE ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE TRUST FUND
2010-04-27   40   ALL COSTS ENTERED AS A CIVIL LIEN
2010-04-27   40   $250,000 FINE (MINIMUM MANDATORY)
2010-04-27   41   SENTENCING WITNESS TESTIFIED
2010-04-27   42   FINGERPRINTS OF DEFENDANT

ME: so the fine was a min/man..

OS

[ospainter]

My thoughts about the $250,000.00 fine.

If Hope ever tries to sell a story about this case (and I have no doubt someone will be there to listen, media I mean) State can get the money..smart move on the states part, however it might be part of law dunno.

OS

I believe it is the law. Goes along with the 15 year minimum sentence.

http://www.thelawman.net/PracticeAreas/Florida-Drug-Trafficking-Statutes.asp

Hi Brandi,

TY, just saw that in her court docs.

OS

[GramaMonkey]

UCN: 542010CF000143XXAXMX
File Date: 2010-01-21   Judge: TERRY J LARUE    
Defense Atty: BEECHING, MARCELLA ANN

Defendant
SYKES, HOPE A

2010-04-27      DEFENDANT ENTERED PLEA OF NOLO CONTENDERE CNT: 1
2010-04-27      VERDICT OF NO TRIAL CNT: 1
2010-04-27      DEFENDANT APPEARED PRES W/ATTY FOR NO TRIAL TRIAL CNT: 1
2010-04-27   39   SCORESHEET FILED
2010-04-27   40   SENTENCING MINUTES:DEFT PRES, ATT BY MARCELLA BEECHING
2010-04-27   40   ADJUDGED GUILTY OF TRAFFICKING IN HYDROCODONE
2010-04-27   40   14-28 GRAMS
2010-04-27   40   15 YEARS DOC WITH 97 DAYS CREDIT - MINIMUM MANDATORY
2010-04-27   40   $395 COURT COSTS
2010-04-27   40   $50 PUBLIC DEFENDER APPLICATION FEE
2010-04-27   40   $100 PUBLIC DEFENDER ATTORNEY FEE
2010-04-27   40   $100 COST OF PROSECUTION
2010-04-27   40   $15 TO THE ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE TRUST FUND
2010-04-27   40   ALL COSTS ENTERED AS A CIVIL LIEN2010-04-27   40   $250,000 FINE (MINIMUM MANDATORY)
2010-04-27   41   SENTENCING WITNESS TESTIFIED
2010-04-27   42   FINGERPRINTS OF DEFENDANT

ME: so the fine was a min/man..

OS

[ospainter]

Don't know if this was posted:

Hope Sykes sentenced for her part in drug transaction

By Kristin Chambers
Published: Wednesday, April 28, 2010 2:20 AM EDT
Hope Sykes, a relative of Haleigh Cummings, was sentenced to 15 years behind bars Tuesday morning for one count of drug trafficking.

Her family looked on as she stood before a nearly full courtroom, turning to peer into the crowd as her grandmother held another family member, crying as the 18-year-old's sentence was announced.

Sykes faced one count of trafficking in Hydrocodone following a monthlong narcotics investigation that led to the arrest of her and four others, including Haleigh's father, 26-year-old Ronald Cummings and 18-year-old Misty Croslin.

Sykes was the only one to plead no contest to the charges.

Her attorney sought a youthful offender consideration in an effort to reduce Sykes' sentence. Circuit Judge Terry LaRue said she was not eligible because she was 18 at the time of the transaction and was on parole for possession charges when the arrest was made.

"The youthful statute is helpful in many cases to place youthful offenders in which they had no or little control - but that's not the case here," LaRue said.

The hourlong hearing involved an angry phone recording of Sykes and her mother, prompting gasps from the audience as unremorseful statements were played in the courtroom.

"I'm not going to boot camp. They think I'm bad now, wait until I get out," Sykes said in the recorded phone call. "I'm not doing no six years mandatory nothing - they can kiss my a--."

When asked about the phone call, Sykes said she "didn't mean it like that."

"I was upset," she said.

Sykes testified at the end of the hearing, crying as she stood before the judge.

"I let drugs control my life," Sykes said. "I don't want to live this life no more. I want to go to college and make something of my life."

Sykes is a cousin of Cummings, who was also present at the sentencing as a defense witness. He did not testify and his attorney was not present.

Cummings was arrested on drug trafficking charges along with Croslin, her brother, Hank Tommy Croslin Jr., 23, and a friend of Croslin's, Donna Brock, 43.

All remain behind bars.

Sykes must serve a mandatory 12 years in prison before she is eligible for parole. She was also fined $250,000.

Haleigh Cummings was reported missing from her Satsuma home by Croslin at 3:27 a.m. on Feb. 10, and despite massive searches, no sign of her has been found.

Investigators called the case a homicide nearly two weeks ago following a three-day search below the murky waters of the St. Johns River in Satsuma. Sheriff Jeff Hardy said no bodily remains of Haleigh were found in the search. Several items were sent to independent labs for analysis.

Investigators have said the drug trafficking case is not related to Haleigh's disappearance.

kchambers@palatkadailynews.com

http://www.palatkadailynews.com/articles/2010/04/28/news/news01.txt

OS

[d in texas]

This is JMO and to date nothing has pointed to Hope having anything to do with Haleigh, I do not know her parents background only that she is RC cousin.  That brought her (I would think) in contact with Misty.  She has a horrible attitude no doubt.
That said once again JMO I do not see where putting an 18 year old girl who got caught in the wrong world away for 12 years minimum is really going to help her or help society.  I think we as a country could find another way to another program.  Maybe some kind of relocation to a half way house where you work pay for your board etc., have counseling and after that if you screw up well it is on you.
Think about it a two to five year program (and I don't mean a cushy feely place either) would probably cost less than 12 years locked away, and in the end you just might actually have some dumb young people turn into some educated reformed grown ups in society.
At 12 years min.  she will be 30 years old what would she contribute?

[Heart]

Hope Sykes sentenced for her part in drug transaction

By Kristin Chambers
Published: Wednesday, April 28, 2010 2:20 AM EDT

Hope Sykes, a relative of Haleigh Cummings, was sentenced to 15 years behind bars Tuesday morning for one count of drug trafficking.

Her family looked on as she stood before a nearly full courtroom, turning to peer into the crowd as her grandmother held another family member, crying as the 18-year-old's sentence was announced.

Sykes faced one count of trafficking in Hydrocodone following a monthlong narcotics investigation that led to the arrest of her and four others, including Haleigh's father, 26-year-old Ronald Cummings and 18-year-old Misty Croslin.

Sykes was the only one to plead no contest to the charges.

Her attorney sought a youthful offender consideration in an effort to reduce Sykes' sentence. Circuit Judge Terry LaRue said she was not eligible because she was 18 at the time of the transaction and was on parole for possession charges when the arrest was made.

"The youthful statute is helpful in many cases to place youthful offenders in which they had no or little control - but that's not the case here," LaRue said.

The hourlong hearing involved an angry phone recording of Sykes and her mother, prompting gasps from the audience as unremorseful statements were played in the courtroom.

"I'm not going to boot camp. They think I'm bad now, wait until I get out," Sykes said in the recorded phone call. "I'm not doing no six years mandatory nothing - they can kiss my a--."

When asked about the phone call, Sykes said she "didn't mean it like that."

"I was upset," she said.

Sykes testified at the end of the hearing, crying as she stood before the judge.

"I let drugs control my life," Sykes said. "I don't want to live this life no more. I want to go to college and make something of my life."

Sykes is a cousin of Cummings, who was also present at the sentencing as a defense witness. He did not testify and his attorney was not present.

Cummings was arrested on drug trafficking charges along with Croslin, her brother, Hank Tommy Croslin Jr., 23, and a friend of Croslin's, Donna Brock, 43.

All remain behind bars.

Sykes must serve a mandatory 12 years in prison before she is eligible for parole. She was also fined $250,000.

Haleigh Cummings was reported missing from her Satsuma home by Croslin at 3:27 a.m. on Feb. 10, and despite massive searches, no sign of her has been found.

Investigators called the case a homicide nearly two weeks ago following a three-day search below the murky waters of the St. Johns River in Satsuma. Sheriff Jeff Hardy said no bodily remains of Haleigh were found in the search. Several items were sent to independent labs for analysis.

Investigators have said the drug trafficking case is not related to Haleigh's disappearance.

kchambers@palatkadailynews.com

http://www.palatkadailynews.com/articles/2010/04/28/news/news01.txt

[flutter1]

Has Hope been sent off to State Prison or is she still in the county jail?

I have not seen anything about that, but I would guess they would have.

Last night, she was still listed in Putnam County jail. I was wondering where she will serve her sentence also.

From what I have read, there are several women's facilities in Florida.  Anyone who has more than a year to serve will go into the state system.  There isn't a female facility in the region that serves Putnam County, so I don't know where she will actually be sent to serve her sentence.   More info can be found here:

http://www.dc.state.fl.us/

[ospainter]

This site explains the NOLO that Hope plead yesterday

http://www.criminal-law-lawyer-source.com/terms/nolo.html

The Judge followed the FL statute, not much he could do. Also, priors Hope had didn't help her case imo.

http://www.thelawman.net/PracticeAreas/Florida-Drug-Trafficking-Statutes.asp

2010-03-31   34   W/D FORMER PLEA, PLEAD NOLO A/C TO THE OFFENSE OF
2010-03-31   34   TRAFFICKING IN HYDROCODONE 14-28 GRAMS
2010-03-31   34   ADVISED OF MAX PENALTY 30 YRS DOC &/OR $15,000 FINE
2010-03-31   34   PLEA ACCEPTED, PSI WAIVED, SENTENCING SET 04/27/2010

OS

[Heart]

I have not heard Werter states this however,

Marlaina Shiavo just reported on HLN Prime News that Werter has said that

Tommy and Misty will probably not be charged with HaLeigh's disappearance/demise but there were several POI.

[BamaMonkey]

Can anyone point me to a site where I can read the police incident reports on the drug busts?
I am interested in the one that describes Tommy's participation.   Thanks

[no rose colored glasses]

I have not heard Werter states this however,

Marlaina Shiavo just reported on HLN Prime News that Werter has said that

Tommy and Misty will probably not be charged with HaLeigh's disappearance/demise but there were several POI.

[seahorse]

Blink says her sources were telling her they were looking for a bag, rope and a blanket but not necessarily Haliegh's body in the most recent river search.
 

I wonder if the blanket was the one Misty kept talking about, I understand the rope but am clueless about the bag....I always wondered if they were looking for other evidence besides a body in the river, wonder if the rope was tied to a bag with something in it to weigh it down (my mind won't let me go there @ Haleigh being in a bag , but it has shades of Casey A) Just thinking out loud here

Maybe...Haleigh wrapped in a blanket, wrapped with rope and block and all put in a bag...

If Ron is involved I don't see him or his family or Croslins putting Haleigh in the river maybe evidence.. I see them or someone burying her..

I agree, I'm wondering if the blanket had biological evidence and was out in a bag with the rope and tossed and HeLeigh is somewhere else, probably buried

When po knocked on doors around shell harbor and asked if neighbors saw "a ninety's chrysler grey van" a person mentioned

that "misty was scene at that area carrying a garbage bag" at the time of HC disappearance.

Thanks seahorse

Sorry, seems I'm the only one posting but just catching up, I do remember now about a garbage bag

Amazing how this person just stepped forward about Misty and a garbage bag.  Misty's been the key from day one and suddenly they remember .... Yeah. 

  Fatcatlurker and Monkey's,

This is beginning to make sense, M.C. left Tent City "to go home" with her parents so (imo)she could clean up the evidence.

We thought RC & MC "broke up" at Tent City when she left in the truck with her parents.

Fat chance they broke up, she secretly was cleaning up the evidence with her garbage bag, this is only my opinion.

If the account is correct of the residence that saw MC walking around with a garbage bag a few day's after Haleigh's.


They are slick!

[Maven]

Can anyone point me to a site where I can read the police incident reports on the drug busts?
I am interested in the one that describes Tommy's participation.   Thanks

They are all in this article here:

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/topstories/news-article.aspx?storyid=151021&catid=3

I think Tommy is in the first one.

[seahorse]

I have not heard Werter states this however,

Marlaina Shiavo just reported on HLN Prime News that Werter has said that

Tommy and Misty will probably not be charged with HaLeigh's disappearance/demise but there were several POI.

Thank-you Heart for the update on Mr.Werter's comment.

Could you kindly tell me (when you have some time), how far was Misty's parents M.H. from Shell dock?  Walking distance?


Thank-you