La Plata, MD – Troy Lee Willett, 55 of White Plains, will be going to trial next week on first- and second-degree assault charges, along with additional charges of wearing or carrying a dangerous weapon with intent to kill or injure.
Willett turned down a plea from the Charles County State’s Attorney’s Office Monday, March 14 before Charles County Circuit Court Judge Helen I. Harrington.
Charles County Assistant State’s Attorney John Stackhouse told Harrington that he was filling in for Assistant State’s Attorney Tiffany Campbell who had tendered the plea.
He said the state was willing to option a plea of second-degree assault if Willett admitted he violated probation. The defendant would face four years of active incarceration in the Maryland Department of Corrections after which time his charges would reduce down to a misdemeanor.
“At that point, the court would be free to improve on that sentence and could possibly impose more time,” Stackhouse said. “The Maryland sentencing guidelines call for four to eight years, but it’s actually higher than that. That’s the offer.
“I understand he doesn’t want to accept the offer, but he should know that offer expires today,” he added.
At first, Charles County Assistant Public Defender Courtney Dixon told the court she was attempting to see “if we can come to a resolution,” but after consulting with her client, had to backtrack.
“He’s not accepting the plea, your honor,” Dixon said.
“Then the case is set for trial next Monday,” Harrington stated.
Contact Joseph Norris at joe.norris@thebaynet.com