LOUISA, KY.– A case that has Lawrence County officials shaking their heads has landed in 24th District Court — for now.
The now ex-manager of the Best Western Motel in Louisa was arrested last week after motel owner Gene Wilson discovered Anthony “Tony” Chapman, his night manager, had embezzled more than $10,000 from the motel in recent months. As soon as he discovered the missing money Wilson went to the sheriff’s office and swore out a warrant for Chapman.
When Louisa Police Dept. officer Julius Music went to arrest Chapman on the charge he also discovered a supply of heroin and charged him with possession and also intent to sell the drug.
There has been widespread speculation about whether Mr. Chapman was selling the heroin out of the motel but so far Louisa Police Chief Greg Fugitt has not released the official police report to the public.
Meanwhile Chapman is out of jail in Kentucky but back in the slammer in West Virginia.
“He (Tony Chapman) was arrested on the embezzlement and theft charge by way of a warrant issued by my office,” Lawrence Co. Attorney Michael Hogan said Tuesday. “At the time of arrest he was also found to be in possession of heroin. He also has a prior felony so he will be charged with a Persistent Felony Offender 2nd degree which is a sentencing enhancer. His stepfather posted his bond so he is out of jail.”
“After his preliminary hearing then he’s off to the grand jury and Circuit Court with Tony Skeens. They could choose to indict him earlier but that’s up to Tony.”
Skeens also responded to questions about Chapman and he agreed with Hogan.
“Mr. Chapman’s case is scheduled for August Grand Jury based upon degree of complexity of theft, Skeans told The Lazer. “We received the file on Thursday from LPD. My understanding Mr Chapman has a preliminary on August 8th, and was released on bond after arrest.”
Skeans said Chapman has since been arrested in West Virginia on unrelated charges to the theft or the drugs.
“My further understanding is he (Chapman) was arrested Thursday last in WV on unrelated charges. These may be enough to revoke his bond and hold him pending preliminary. That will be up to district court judges,” Skeans said.
It’s been long over due, lock him up, he thinks he is above the law!!
He needs to be in jail, no respect