*** CORRECTION: The original version of this article contained errors. It said that former Buncombe County Sheriff’s Lt. Ronnie “Butch” Davis, who pleaded guilty in the federal video-gambling corruption case, had requested that his sentencing be delayed while he travels to New York to testify in an estate hearing and then takes a family vacation. In fact, it was Davis’ attorney, Charles R. Brewer, who was the one with travel plans. Davis remains under house arrest until his sentencing. In addition, the article said that Davis testified at former Sheriff Bobby Medford‘s trial, when in fact he did not. The errors have been corrected below. ***
Former Buncombe County Sheriff Bobby Medford and his former deputies may be sentenced in early or late August, as one of his lieutenant’s attorneys has requested that the sentencing take place before or after he leaves the area to settle family legal matters. The official request also notes that federal authorities had originally indicated they would sentence Medford and the deputies in late July.
The request was made by Charles Brewer, attorney for former sheriff’s Lt. Ronnie “Butch” Davis, who pleaded guilty earlier this year in the video-poker corruption case. On May 15, a jury found Medford and former reserve Capt. Guy Penland guilty on all counts, including extortion, conspiracy and mail fraud in connection with illegal video-poker operation. Another deputy, former Lt. Johnny Harrison, also took a federal plea deal. All of the men will be sentenced together.
However, more than two months later, no sentencing date has been set. In the request, Brewer says that he will appear in New York City on Aug. 14 to testify in an estate hearing, followed by a family vacation until Aug. 24.
“The undersigned [Brewer] had been informed that the Court would be coming to Asheville for the purpose of conducting sentencing hearings in late July,” the document reads. “More recently, the undersigned has been told that it will be later than that, and the undersigned is concerned that the change in the Court’s plans could impact the above-described travel itinerary.”
Brewer then requests that the sentencing be on or before Aug. 12 or on or after Aug. 25.
To see Brewer’s request, go to www.mountainx.com/xpressfiles.
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.