JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF) – On Monday, Criminal Court Judge E. Shayne Sexton presided over two sentencing hearings for defendants who previously entered guilty pleas to their indicted charges without an agreement as to the manner of service of their sentences.In the first hearing, Michael Joseph Kennedy, age 37 of Jellico, was sentenced to serve twelve (12) years in the custody of the Tennessee Department of Corrections for the Aggravated Statutory Rape, Statutory Rape by an Authority Figure and Incest.  The victim, now nineteen (19) years of age, testified about the traumatic impact of the sexual abuse.  At the conclusion of the proof, Judge Sexton emphatically sentenced the defendant to the “maximum allowed by law.”

In the second hearing, Nichole Larae Marlow, age 44 of La Follette,  was sentenced to serve seven (7) years in the custody of the Tennessee Department of Corrections for the Introduction of Contraband into a Penal Institution. The charge stemmed from the discovery by Campbell County Sheriff’s Department Corrections Officers of twenty-two (22) suboxone strips concealed on the defendant’s person during a search of the inmate. In support of his sentence, Judge Sexton cited the need to protect “the integrity of the jail” from the introduction of narcotics.  Ms. Marlow, who was free on bond pending her sentencing, was immediately taken into custody.

The charges against Michael Joseph Kennedy were investigated by the Jellico Police Department with the assistance of the Department of Children’s Services and the Campbell County Children’s Center. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney General Lindsey Cadle.

The charges against Nichole Larae Marlow was investigated by the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department and prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney General David Pollard.  (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 09/25/2019-7PM)