Animal cruelty charge dropped

Michael Robertson, 45, 35 Gin St., had been accused of neglecting to feed and provide medical care for his dog, a bulldog mix. When the dog was confiscated April 7, 2008, it reportedly suffered from undernourishment and severe infestations of hookworms, roundworms and heartworms. The dog died April 15, 2008. Robertson said he had provided the dog with medical care.

In other circuit court action that day:

* Aisha Wiggins, address unavailable, was sentenced to 10 years in a community corrections program for abusing a child younger than 6. She was accused of injuring her 4-year-old son on March 27, 2007.

*Tara Nelson, also known as Tara Finch, 33, address unavailable, was sentenced on a forgery charge. She was accused of forging her mother's name to a government check and cashing it for $420.13 on Feb. 3, 2008. She was sentenced to a year in prison followed by two years in a community corrections program. She was ordered to pay $420.13 restitution.

* James Michael Stephens, 28, address unavailable, was granted pretrial diversion on a charge of theft of property in excess of $1,000. He was accused of taking a Miller Matic 180 welder and cylinder from Amtek in October. He was placed on unsupervised probation for two years and ordered to pay $599.50 in court costs. He also was ordered to stay off Amtek property.

In other circuit court news:

√ Wesley Hal Cunningham, 30, 420 Elm St. in Halls, was found guilty March 19 of violating the implied consent law. His driver's license was revoked for a year. A related charge of driving under the influence of an intoxicant was dismissed on March 31.

√ Lacy Deshon "Poo" Mims, address unavailable, was found not guilty March 20 on a charge of possessing more than half a gram of cocaine with intent to sell.