By By ROBERT BLANKENSHIP
Staff Writer
Jennifer Windham of Brewton entered a blind plea on one count of willful torture and abuse and for theft, first degree. She had been arrested and charged with four counts of willful torture and abuse during the recent criminal court session.
Assistant District Attorney Steve Billy said the state accused Windham of abusing her child. After her initial arrest and while out on bond, he said she was arrested and charged with theft.
The torture and abuse charge is a Class C felony which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years. The theft, first degree charge is a Class B felony and carries and sentence of two to 20 years.
Claudzell Reed of Brewton pled guilty during the session to charges of dog fighting. He was given a three-year suspended sentence and three-years of supervised probation.
Three other men, Ricky D. Samuel, Eddie E. McDonald and Terrance Gaston, are also facing dog fighting charges. Samuel is also charged with theft, first degree. Those cases were continued.
The arrests came when the Atmore Police Department broke up what they described as a dog fighting ring in December 2000. According to Alabama law, spectators as well as dog owners may be arrested and charged during dog fighting events.