Individuals who pled guilty to mail, credit card theft sentenced to 20 years each

Two people who pled guilty to mail theft and fraudulent credit card use crimes in Jasper County have each been sentenced to a maximum of 20 years in prison.

However, sentencing was delayed after one of the accused expressed confusion over the plea deal. Although he indicated he would not be withdrawing his guilty plea, the judge recommended John Davis speak with his lawyer during a recess. It then took intervention from the county attorney to move sentencing along.

Richard Phelps, the attorney representing Davis, explained he attempted multiple times to communicate with his client, but it was ultimately “unsatisfactory” and “not a good situation” for either party. Discrepancies between the trial information and the plea deal led to even more confusion for Davis, and the entire courtroom.

Jasper County Attorney Scott Nicholson ultimately recommended one of the charges Davis was pleading guilty to be amended from identity theft to credit card fraud. Either way, he would still be serving the same amount of time. Davis and his attorney were satisfied with the changes, so the sentencing commenced.

When Nicholson was explaining the plea deal during recess, Davis began to push back against the crimes. The county attorney assured him there was plenty of evidence to prove he and accomplice Lauren Parkison committed their crimes, and part of the deal was that the state would not file additional charges.

Eventually, Davis relented and took responsibility for his crimes. Nicholson would later tell the court that if Davis had been found guilty of every charge against him, he would likely be looking at a maximum of 67 to 72 years in prison, while Parkison could have been looking at more than 100 years.

Victim impact statements were submitted to the court but none were read aloud during sentencing. But both Davis and Parkison wanted to say something:

“I’m sorry to all the people … I agree with the sentencing,” Parkison said.

Davis added, “I just want to apologize for my actions … I understand my sentence is deserved.”

Parkison pled guilty to second-degree theft, identity theft and two separate counts of forgery. Davis pled guilty identity theft, forgery and five counts of credit card fraud.

Newton News previously reported in January that a number of crimes regarding stolen mail and unauthorized used of credit cards and checks were reported. The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office tracked down the suspects, Davis and Parkison, inside a vehicle at an apartment complex in Newton.

However, when the deputy approached the suspects, Davis took off on foot.

Parkison was detained by the deputy, who then followed Davis to an apartment where he was taken into custody. A search warrant was conducted on the apartment associated with Davis and Parkison, and two vehicles were seized. Authorities found marijuana and drug paraphernalia in the apartment.

Assistance from the Newton Police Department and the United States Postal Inspection Service were crucial in the investigation and building a strong case. The sheriff’s office had video of the two working together using what they had stolen. Victims reported credit cards were used at many banks and businesses.