Burr Arraigned in Polk County Following Arrest in Sevier County

BY MELANIE BUCK –

Alicia Burr was present in Polk County Court this morning where Judge Jerry Ryan was presiding, concerning an alleged probation violation stemming from an incident that occurred in DeQueen in February.

Burr was previously convicted in Polk County Circuit Court when she pled “no contest” to Arson {5-38-301}, a Class A Felony, three counts of Aggravated Assault {5-13-204}, a Class D Felony, and Criminal Mischief in the First Degree {5-38-203a1}, a Class D Felony, in June 2014.

Burr was sentenced by Polk County Circuit Court Judge J.W. Looney in August 2014 to 10 years probation with more than 20 conditions. Any violation to the conditions of probation can cause any part of the full sentence to be imposed. One of the felonies Burr was charged with carries a 30-year sentence. Looney also ordered full restitution to be paid to the victims. Telina Dedmon was owed $25,000 in restitution, $10,000 of that was to be paid upfront and the remaining $15,000 to be paid out in an unspecified time. Michael White, also a victim, was working out the amount owed to him with the defendant and her attorney.

In addition to probation and restitution, Burr is also required to surrender herself to the Polk County Jail every Thursday at 5 p.m. and remain jailed until Sundays at 5 p.m., on the weekends her children are with their father for visitation, for a period 8 months following sentencing.

Prosecuting Attorney Andy Riner pointed out in court this morning that as part of the conditions of Burr’s probation, she is to “lead a law abiding life” and is prohibited from consuming alcohol. However, on February 28, 2015, Burr was arrested by the DeQueen Police Department for Disorderly Conduct after officers were called to a DeQueen convenience store following a disturbance in which Burr was allegedly involved.

Burr was accompanied to court today by her attorney, Mike Pickens of Little Rock. Pickens said in court that he, “believes the motion is pre-mature” because Burr has not yet been found guilty of the charges in DeQueen. Pickens also pointed out that Burr was not arrested on charges related to alcohol consumption.

Riner told the court that his job is “to prove that one condition was violated and I believe I can do that.” Riner added that he “didn’t mind waiting for the DeQueen case” to conclude before bringing Burr back to court in Polk County for the charge of Probation Violation.

Upon sentencing in Polk County last August, Judge Looney stated that this was “not an easy case for the court.” He also stated that he wasn’t making excuses for Ms. Burr, but “I believe that Ms. Burr was in such a state of intoxication [on the night of the incident] that she probably didn’t even know what she was doing.” By sentencing Burr to jail each weekend, Looney also stated that he “would not give her the chance to party while her kids are with their father on weekends.”

Burr is to appear in court in Sevier County District Court on April 21, 2015 for a bench trial for the charge of Disorderly Conduct. Judge Ryan scheduled Burr’s Polk County hearing for May 11, 2015, for Probation Violation.

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Jeri Pearson

Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.

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