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Men with cash ask court to pay for attorneys
By Joe Gorman
YOUNGSTOWN
Two men who had a combined $2,300 when they were arrested both asked for court-appointed attorneys during their arraignments in municipal court Friday.
Carl Hammonds, 28, of Youngstown, was arraigned on charges of possession of heroin, tampering with evidence and possession of dangerous drugs after he was arrested about 3:30 p.m. Thursday during a traffic stop on West Judson Avenue. Police reports noted he had $900 in cash when he was arrested. Hammonds was taken to the Mahoning County jail and arraigned before Magistrate Anthony Sertick via video hookup and requested a court-appointed attorney. Sertick asked him a series of questions he asks defendants when they ask for a lawyer, such as if they have a job or own property or vehicles.
Hammonds said he cuts grass with a family member but has no other means of support. Sertick said for him to have $900, he must be doing a lot of lawns.
“You’ve been cutting a lot of grass?” Sertick asked.
“Yeah. And I have a drug problem too, sir,” Hammonds answered.
When Sertick said he found it hard to believe someone could have that much money by just cutting grass, Hammonds said the answer is simple.
“It’s summertime,” Hammonds said, before adding, “I’ve had that money for quite a while now.”
Sertick was hesitant, but he did appoint counsel for Hammonds.
However, Alex Mitchell, 27, of Youngstown, who was arrested on drug charges at Overland and Breaden avenues about 4 p.m. Wednesday, had his request for a lawyer denied. He had $1,400 on him when he was arrested.
He told Sertick he works every other week as a maintenance man and makes about $8 an hour. He also just had a child, Mitchell said.
Sertick said he found it hard to believe someone who works only every other week and makes $8 an hour could have so much money.
“Where would you come across $1,400 cash money?” Sertick asked him.
“I’ve got a supportive family,” Mitchell answered.
Sertick refused Mitchell’s request for a lawyer.
“I can’t in good conscience appoint counsel to someone with that kind of money when they are arrested,” Sertick said.
Assistant city prosecutor Kathy Thompson also said Mitchell has an extensive criminal history, including past arrests for aggravated robbery, drug trafficking and drug possession.
The driver of the car Hammonds was in, Kevin Carver, 35, of Youngstown, was given a citation for possession of marijuana because he had a bag of marijuana on him.