Fugate sentenced for burglary

Oct. 03--A man accused of burglarizing another man's home while he was asleep has been sentenced.

Lester Fugate Jr., 48, of Pineville, was sentenced by Bell Circuit Judge Robert Costanzo to 10 years in the penitentiary for second-degree burglary. The sentence was enhanced to 11 years because he pleaded guilty to a consistent felony offender charge.

Fugate must also pay restitution to the victim, Kenneth Carnes, in the amount of $100. He was the co-defendant of Paula Hensley, 47, of Pineville, who was sentenced earlier this week on the same charge.

In 2013, Fugate was indicted on the burglary charge. According to earlier reports, he and Hensley were staying with family at Wilderness Trail Manor and went to visit Carnes. During the visit, the key to Carnes' apartment was stolen.

The report states later that night when Carnes was asleep, the two went back to his apartment and stole prescription narcotics and $100.

In other police news, Joseph Dewayne Vanover, 38, of Middlesboro, was arrested after he allegedly ran from police in a vehicle. He was charged with first-degree fleeing or evading police.

According to the citation, Middlesboro Officer Edward Dray was dispatched to BP on 38th and Cumberland Avenue in response to a driver possibly driving under the influence. Vanover was observed weaving in his vehicle and crossing double lanes. When Dray attempted to conduct a traffic stop, Vanover fled.

The citation states speeds increased to 90 mph. Vanover crossed the center line and passed a civilian truck, almost striking the vehicle in the process. He continued west and then turned north on Hignit Hollow, failing to signal. Dray terminated pursuit.

Dray said Lt. Tom Busic and Officer Josh Pratt arrived on scene and Busic traveled further into the hollow. He found Vanover's vehicle overturned and laying on its top in a creek. Police were unable to locate the driver. Further investigation revealed that the vehicle was unregistered and uninsured.

Vanover was also charged with first-degree wanton endangerment, reckless driving, speeding 26 mph over the limit, improper passing, failure to or improper signal, failure of owner to maintain required insurance, improper registration plate, failure to wear a seat belt and leaving the scene of an accident. He was lodged in the Bell County Detention Center.

George J. Sexton, 59, of Tazewell, Tenn., was also arrested recently for first-degree wanton endangerment. He was arrested by troopers with the Kentucky State Police. He was lodged in the detention center.

Reach Anthony Cloud at 606-302-9090 or on Twitter @AnthonyCloudMDN.

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