Man violates probation, commits new crime

FARMINGTON — A Ste. Genevieve man was sentenced to four years in prison for violating his probation by committing a new crime.

Joseph Guastella, 49, of Ste. Genevieve, was sentenced by Circuit Court Judge Kenneth W. Pratte to four years in prison for violating the probation he received in 2007 for aggravated stalking.

While Guastella’s attorney asked for leniency, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Joe Lanter asked the judge to impose the sentence of four years. The man had violated his probation by leaving the state and committing a new misdemeanor there.

Lanter said Guastella also has charges pending now in Ste. Genevieve County for forcible rape, and domestic assault.

The stalking charge alleged Guastella harassed a woman by calling, writing and threatening her.

In other cases, Otis McDowell, 43, of ERDCC, was sentenced to nine years in prison for committing violence against an offender. He was originally charged with first-degree assault.

According to court records, McDowell struck his cellmate in the head on June 27, 2007.

Jimmy D. Cox, 30, of Leadwood, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for abuse of a child and sexual misconduct. According to court records, Cox punched a boy in the face and exposed his genitals to another child in a separate incident.

Matthew Grissom, 45, of Farmington, was sentenced to seven years in prison for violating the probation he received for second-degree burglary, tampering with a motor vehicle, and first-degree property damage. The judge will release Grissom on five years of supervised probation after he completes a 120-day drug treatment program.

Brandon M. Brown, 28, of Farmington, was sentenced to seven years in prison for violating the probation he received for forgery.

Mitchell L. Johnson, 20, of Park Hills, was sentenced to seven years in prison for violating the probation he received for issuing a bad check.

Matthew J. Westbrook, 28, of Farmington, was sentenced to seven years in prison for possession of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.

Laura Tanner, 25, of Desloge, was placed on five years of supervised probation for possession of heroin with intent to distribute. Brittany R. Cheesebrough, 26, of Park Hills, was placed on five years of supervised probation for forgery.

Damien T. Thomas, 28, of Bonne Terre, was placed on five years of supervised probation for abuse of a child and ordered to serve 90 days in jail. According to court records, Thomas grabbed a 2-year-old child by the arm and beat him, causing bruising.

Wesley F. Marler Jr., 31, of Farmington, was placed on five years supervised probation for two counts of second-degree burglary. He was ordered to serve 60 days in jail on weekends.

Joshua Hicks, 30, of Desloge, waived arraignment on a charge of attempted robbery. He was indicted in March on the charge. The indictment alleges Hicks forcibly stole a purse from a woman on Dec. 13.

Teresa Ressel is a reporter for the Daily Journal and can be reached at 573-431-2010, ext. 179 or at tressel@dailyjournalonline.com.