Woman pleads guilty; sentenced to 22 years

Leia Shianne
Woody

On February 4 Leia Woody, 31 years-old, of Versailles, was sentenced by Ripley County Circuit Court Judge Ryan King to 22 years in the Department of Corrections with two years suspended to probation following her plea of guilty to Possession with Intent to Deal Methamphetamine, a Level 2 Felony.

Woody’s conviction stems from an investigation by the Versailles Police Department during the summer of 2024 after receiving information from a concerned citizen about possible drug activity occurring at Woody’s residence. During the investigation, the Versailles Police Department obtained a search warrant to search Woody’s residence on S. High Street in Versailles for drugs and drug-related items. During the execution of the search warrant, officers located approximately 62 grams of methamphetamine packaged in multiple baggies and numerous other drug-related items throughout the residence.

When questioned by officers, Woody admitted that she was selling and using the methamphetamine located by the officers.
Along with Woody, three other individuals were located in the residence at the time the search warrant was served, Troy Dunagan Jr., Dakoda Green, and James Hensley, where they admitted to using methamphetamine in the residence. All three individuals were charged and convicted of Possession of Methamphetamine and other related crimes prior to Woody pleading guilty.

During Woody’s Sentencing Hearing, Ripley County Chief Deputy Prosecutor Shane Tucker argued for an aggravated Department of Corrections sentence. Tucker urged the Court to take into consideration the Defendant’s criminal history that consisted of prior convictions for Neglect of a Dependent, a Level 6 Felony, and Possession of Methamphetamine, a Level 6 Felony, her prior violation of probation by the use of methamphetamine while on probation in Dearborn County, the significant amount of methamphetamine that was located at her residence, and Woody’s admission during questioning at the hearing by Tucker that she had completed multiple drug deals in the months prior to her arrest warranted a lengthy prison sentence.

Woody, through her counsel, Paul Barada, Rushville, asked the Court for a sentence served on probation or in-home detention due to her cooperation with the police, her engagement with drug rehabilitation programs since her arrest, and her acceptance of responsibility by pleading guilty. Tucker argued that the parties already took her cooperation and engagement with programs into consideration when agreeing to a maximum possible sentence by the Court of 22 years.

During the pronouncement of sentence, Judge King agreed with the State’s arguments and found that Woody’s criminal history, prior probation violation, the amount of methamphetamine located, and her admission to multiple drug deals merited the aggravated sentence recommended by the State.

In reference to Woody’s sentence, Chief Deputy Prosecutor Tucker stated, “Justice was served in this case. Drugs continue to be a significant issue that affects nearly every facet of our community. Drug dealers must be held accountable for the severe harm they create in our community. Not only do they bring harm to themselves and their own families but to every person they’re dealing to and their families. I hope this sentence serves as a deterrent to any person trying to bring drugs into our community.” Tucker also wanted to thank the Versailles Police Department for their thorough investigation of the case.

Ripley Publishing Co., has been following this story and first reported it on July 9, 2024, when Versailles Marshal Joe Mann noted “This is probably the biggest meth bust I’ve been involved with.” He was pleased with the outcome of the plea agreement and the due diligence the case was given to bring about the tough sentence.