Man used stolen identity to get electricity

FARMINGTON – A Park Hills man who admitted to stealing another man’s identity to get his electricity turned back on was sentenced to two years in prison.

Earnest Leon Brewer, 49, pleaded guilty to one count of identity theft on Friday before Circuit Court Judge Martinez.

His public defender, Ben Campbell, and the prosecutor’s officer agreed to have the judge sentence him to two years in prison if he waived his right to a presentence investigation report which is compiled by the State Board of Probation and Parole.

Brewer told the judge that on Feb. 21, he used his former father-in-law’s social security number and name to get his $700 electricity bill paid off so he could have his electricity turned back on.

The sentence will run concurrent to an unrelated sentence through associate circuit court.

In other cases, James Nesler, 35, of Terre Du Lac, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for second-degree drug trafficking. According to court records, during a traffic stop, Nesler was found in possession of 30 grams or more of a mixture containing meth.

Matthew Rite, 21, of French Village, was sentenced to 14 years in prison for violating the probation he received for second-degree burglary and stealing. The judge will reconsider releasing him on probation after he completes a 120-day drug treatment program.

Samuel Mills, 26, of Doe Run, was sentenced to 12 years in prison for forgery and for violating the probation he received for possession of meth.

Ronald Lange, 26, of Sullivan, was sentenced to two years in prison for violating the probation he received for failure to support a child.

Amanda N. Medley Stevens, 21, of Park Hills, pleaded guilty to three counts of passing a bad check. Her sentencing will be held April 7.

Placed on five years of supervised probation by Judge Martinez were Aaron Blatner, 26, of Park Hills, for possession of methadone; Steven L. Casteel, 32, of Bismarck, for possession of meth; Crystal G. Dunn, 20, of Leadwood, for passing a bad check; Jeffery K. Rosener, 41, of Bonne Terre, for possession of a chemical with intent to create a controlled substance; Jessica Rosener Penberthy, 22, of Park Hills, for forgery; and Raymond Schutte, 49, of DeSoto, for possession of meth.

Last week, Circuit Court Judge Kenneth W. Pratte sentenced Monte L. Beasley, 42, of Bismarck, to four years in prison for possession of meth.

In other cases, Judge Pratte sentenced Shawn Hurst, 21, of Bonne Terre, to two years in prison for issuing a bad check. Ervin W. Stokes, 46, of Park Hills, pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance. Jonathan Black, 35, of Farmington, pleaded guilty to possession of meth and possession of oxycodone.