Mansfield preacher pleads guilty to theft; avoids jail
By: Nancy Cook
Updated: January 31, 2013
The Rev. Roy Jones, former employee of the DeSoto Council on Aging, today pleaded guilty to four charges of misdemeanor theft.
Opening arguments were to begin in Jones'
trial this morning, after a six-person jury was seated Monday. But defense
attorney Alex Washington and Louisiana Assistant District Attorney Cliff Crider
worked out a plea agreement, in which Jones will not have a felony on his
record, nor do any jail time.
DeSoto District Judge Robert Burgess
sentenced Jones to six months in jail, all suspended, for each count, and four
years supervised probation. In addition, Jones was fined $2,000, ordered to pay
a monthly $50 probation fee for the duration of his probation, and to perform
120 days of community service.
Jones also must make restitution of $22,516 to the COA, the amount Jones, a former COA van driver, was overpaid in an arrangement with his wife.
Martha
Jones will share the debt - in addition to her own - and if either one fails to
make payments the debt falls to the other spouse. Failure to complete
restitution during the probationary period could mean jail time.
