By Kelly Young
news@jacksonvilleprogress.com
Ex-Jacksonville Police Officer Larry Pugh, 34, was sentenced Thursday to 12 years in federal prison.
Pugh pled guilty Sept. 28, 2006, to forcing two women to have sex with him while on duty. He also admitted to retaliating against one of the victims when she began cooperating with the Jacksonville Police Department’s investigation.
Pugh’s sentence was determined by U.S. District Judge Michael Schneider, who gave Pugh the maximum sentence possible under his plea agreement. Schneider’s decision was that Pugh should serve one year in prison for each of the two sexual assault charges and another 10 years for retaliation. Following the conclusion of his prison term, Pugh will be subject to three additional years of supervised release.
According to Alan Jackson, an assistant district attorney with the U.S. Attorney’s office in Tyler, Pugh’s sentencing on Thursday concludes the federal aspect of his legal troubles.
“The original indictment had five different civil rights charges. In the final, superseding indictment, we brought three civil rights charges and one obstruction of justice charge against him,” Jackson said. “When he wound up pleading guilty to two of the civil rights charges and the obstruction charge, the third civil rights charge was dropped. No federal charges remain against Pugh.”
Jackson said a charge initially brought against Pugh for allegedly lying to federal investigators was also dropped.
In addition to the two victims involved in Pugh’s federal case, eight women have come forward to file civil cases against the former officer claiming he also sexually assaulted them from 2005 to 2006. Former Jacksonville Police Chief Mark Johnson and the city of Jacksonville are also named in the civil cases.
Pugh is also a defendant in two excessive force cases, including the 2004 Tomato Bowl brawl.
A continuance was filed by Tonda Curry, Pugh’s attorney, in an attempt to postpone the sentencing, but Schneider denied the motion.
Pugh did not address the court with any comments.
“I am satisfied with the result of this case. I though it was a reasonable plea agreement, and the judge followed the recommendations given to him by the attorneys,” Jackson said.
Local News
Pugh received 12-year term
- Local News
-
-
Troup to speak with lone city manager finalist
After a 20 minute executive session, the Troup City Council authorized a committee to speak with a possible lone finalist for the vacant city administrator position.
-
City OKs smoking ordinance
In the city of Jacksonville, residents will have to step outside of public buildings before lighting up, as the clean air act passed unanimously at the city council meeting Tuesday night.
-
Alto interim superintendent named sole finalist
From high school principal to interim superintendent, Kerry Birdwell has been named the sole finalist for the superintendent position.
-
3 car wreck off of Highway 175, 1 airlifted
A three-car wreck was reported off of Highway 175 between Jacksonville and Cuney on Tuesday afternoon.
-
Wells fifth-grader advances to regional spelling bee
C.O.R.R.E.S.P.O.N.D.E.N.T spelled the advancement of fifth-grade Wells student Tyler Smith from the Cherokee County spelling bee to the regional meet in Dallas on March 24.
-
Guzman named homecoming queen for Jacksonville College
Estrella Guzman, daughter of Miguel and Graciela Guzman of Sulphur Springs was crowned Jacksonville College Homecoming Queen 2012.
-
Smoking ban proposal irks some people
As a possible adoption of smoking restrictions in the city limit nears, some residents are still frustrated over the concept being brought up in the first place.
-
State defers STAAR's effect on grades for a year
Ninth-graders in Texas are getting a one-year break from a controversial requirement that would make new standardized testing count toward 15 percent of their final grades, thanks to a deferment signed Friday by the state's education chief.
-
Loans may be sticking point
The cities of Rusk and Palestine are unlikely to accept the final business offer from Allen Harper, CEO of American Heritage Railways, officials said.
-
Residents want road improved, but commissioner says funding an issue
Residents living on County Road 1613 said they are upset about how long road repairs have taken, while county officials say there is a method and process to road maintenance.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Troup to speak with lone city manager finalist
Raw Video: Guilty Verdict in UVa Lacrosse Death
$5 Gas Coming to Pumps Near You?
Raw Video: French Police Release Strauss-Kahn
Ga. Spa Shooting Leaves 5 Dead, Victims Related
2 More Western Journalists Die in Syria
7 Killed As Afghan Quran Protests Turn Violent
Santorum Goes After Obama on Energy
Judge Says Lindsay Lohan in the "Home Stretch"
Father Accused of Using Leash on 11 Year Old
Obama Helps Break Ground on Black History Museum
Raw Video: Dozens Dead in Argentina Train Crash
Wounded Vets Regain Some Camaraderie in Kitchen
Man Accused of Repeatedly Running Over Lover
Raw Video: Obama Belts Out Blues
FDA: New Suppliers to Ease 2 Drug Shortages
Raw Video: New Orleans Revels in Mardi Gras
'Super PACs' Overtaking Campaigns' Fundraising
Mild Weather Could Affect Syrup Production
Raw Video: Iran Sailors Saved From Burning Ship
Firm Suing Apple in China Open to Talks
