Proof of vasectomy shown in support case

        LOUISVILLE - A Louisville man pleaded guilty to failing to pay more than $1,000 in child support and turned over proof that he had undergone a vasectomy in hopes of receiving probation, a prosecutor said.

        Jeffrey DeWayne Ashby, 28, entered an Alford plea Thursday, meaning he maintained his innocence but admitted that the evidence against him would result in a conviction.

        Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Allan Cobb said the recommended sentence is five years' probation or one year in prison.

        “Due to the defendant's proactive stance of obtaining a vasectomy,” the plea agreement states, the prosecution “does not object to probation.”

        Mr. Ashby pleaded guilty in Jefferson Circuit Court to flagrant nonsupport for failing to pay what he owed between October 1994 and October 1999, according to court records. He was indicted in 2000. Mr. Ashby's sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 5.

Health system will focus on cardiac care

        OWENSBORO - Owensboro Mercy Health System will create a “world class” regional heart institute to improve the region's heart care, the hospital's board chairman said this week.

        The institute will be a partnership of several other medical centers in Kentucky and Indiana that would share resources, expertise and patient referrals, David Hocker said.

        The board voted Monday to direct the hospital administration to move forward with the idea and present a more detailed proposal by October, board member and Daviess County Judge-Executive Reid Haire said.

        The price tag for the new center hasn't been discussed by the board, Mr. Haire said.

        The institute could take six months to take shape, Mr. Hocker said.

Murder suspect's bond may be revoked

        McKEE - A prosecutor is asking that bond be revoked or changed for Jackson County Clerk Jerry Dean, who is awaiting trial on a charge that he murdered a woman who had once worked in his office and filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against him.

        Mr. Dean was released from jail on bond in February but is supposed to leave home only to attend church or go to work at the courthouse in McKee.

        Prosecutors say Mr. Dean has violated the terms and was seen in the Letterbox community, 10 to 15 miles west of McKee between 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. July 16. The area is near the home of Beverly McQueen, a potential witness against Mr. Dean, according to a motion signed by Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Richard Couch.

        Mr. Dean's attorney, Doug Reece, said Mr. Dean has not violated the terms of his bond and he will oppose any changes.

        Mr. Dean was on his way from McKee to London to meet with Mr. Reece on the 16th, and took a route through the Letterbox community to avoid roadwork ,Mr. Reece said Thursday.

        He said Mr. Dean didn't know Ms. McQueen was a potential witness.

        Mr. Dean, 58, is charged with shooting Audrey Marcum to death with a high-powered rifle Nov. 17. Ms. Marcum, 31, had worked in Dean's office from 1995 until August 1999.

        After quitting, she had filed a $30 million lawsuit charging that Mr. Dean had sexually harassed her and exposed himself to her. Mr. Dean denied the allegations.

Boy arrested for Mercedes break-ins

        LOUISVILLE - A 14-year-old boy is facing charges after police say he broke into a Jefferson County auto dealership on two consecutive nights this week - each time stealing and damaging a $75,000 Mercedes-Benz.

        The youth, who is also a suspect in several other recent dealership break-ins, has been charged with burglary, wanton endangerment, criminal mischief, receiving stolen property and fleeing and evading.

        Police estimate the damage at $175,000.

        The break-ins occurred at Tafel Motors. The first happened Monday at 11 p.m. Police said the boy and a 15-year-old girlfriend apparently smashed through a window to unlock a door into the dealership's repair shop. The keys to a four-door S500 were in the unlocked car. The intruder started the car and rammed it through the garage door.

        The damaged car was found abandoned near Speed Avenue in Louisville. The girl was caught nearby and charged with receiving stolen goods. The driver couldn't be found.

        Police said the boy broke into the same garage again the next night. He is accused of taking another S500 - smashing through the garage door that had been replaced earlier that day.

        This time, police caught the boy after he lost control and wrecked the car on Interstate 65.

        Compiled from The Cincinnati Enquirer and the Associated Press

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