Potential jurors accused of not reporting for jury duty appear in court

NEWKIRK — Kay County residents who were called upon for jury duty and reportedly failed to report have now appeared in Kay County District Court as defendants instead of jurors.

Last month attorney Jarrod Stevenson filed contempt citations against the group of five. (see story)

Susan Elaine Sims, reportedly was summoned as a potential juror for a Feb. 10 jury trial but failed to report and or contact the Kay County Court Clerk’s office.

James Kaden Horne, reportedly was summoned as a potential juror for a March 3 jury trial but failed to report and or contact the clerk’s office.

Raiden Wayne Agee, reportedly was summoned as a potential juror for a Feb. 10 and a Feb. 24  jury trial but failed to report both times and or contact the clerk’s office.

All three appeared before Judge David Bandy today and entered no contest pleas.

Sentencing for the trio is deferred for two months and each were assessed a $200 fine.

Two other potential jurors have decided to fight the complaint.

Michael Gorden Roy  was summoned as a potential juror for a Feb. 24 jury trial but reportedly failed to report and or contact the clerk’s office was arraigned on the complaint and granted an own recognizance bond. He is scheduled for a status docket on July 17.

Tara Lynn Wilde, was summoned as a potential juror for a Feb. 24 jury trial but reportedly failed to report and or contact the  clerk’s office.

Wilde appeared with attorney Todd Burlie and entered a plea of not guilty.

Judge Bandy granted her an own recognizance bond and she is scheduled for a court date on June 22.

Stevenson issued the following statement on the matter.

“Today three of the five jurors who failed to appear for jury duty took responsibility for their actions and were assessed fees and costs. Hopefully future jurors who are summoned are now aware of the consequences of failing to appear to perform their civic duty. The other two jurors were reset to scheduled a jury trial where similarly situated jurors, who will be equally inconvenienced to serve as a juror, will decide their fate.”

Stevenson added that the pair who go to trial could face up to six months in jail and or up to $500 in fines if convicted. 

Also the group could be called to serve as jurors again since they have yet to serve.