Ernest SHAFFER SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON

Ernest C. Shaffer, who was convicted of first degree sodomy that involved a seven-year-old girl following a two-day jury trial in Adair Circuit Court in July, was formally sentenced to life in prison by Circuit Judge James Weddle Tuesday afternoon.
The 33-year-old Shaffer, who had been residing in Jefferson County, allegedly committed the act of sodomy on the seven-year-old, which was a relative, while the girl was visiting her grandmother in Adair County in July 2005.
According to testimony during the trial, the sodomy act occurred when the grandmother was at work and the other children were out of the house. The victim lived in Louisville at the time, but she and her brother had come to spend some time with the grandmother.
After finding Shaffer guilty, the jury was informed during the sentencing phase of the trial that Shaffer had previous convictions on sexual-related charges, and recommended a sentence of life in prison.
Judge Weddle followed the jury's recommendation on Tuesday, imposing the life sentence on Shaffer.
According to court documents, Shaffer will be eligible to go before the parole board for the first time after serving 12 years.
Couple sentenced for drug trafficking, bail jumping
An Adair County man and his girlfriend who were facing drug charges last year but jumped bail and remained at large for a period of time were also sentenced by Judge Weddle Tuesday after reaching plea agreements with the Commonwealth.
Michael Stotts was sentenced to a total of 19 years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of trafficking in a controlled substance-first degree, second offense; two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, second offense; possession of marijuana; trafficking in marijuana less than eight ounces; and bail jumping.
His girlfriend, Tracy Turner, was sentenced to a total of 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to the same counts as Stotts.
Two indicted by
Grand Jury
In other Circuit Court action Tuesday, an Adair County Grand Jury returned indictments against two individuals.
Elisha F. Bunch, 30, was indicted for one count of possession of a controlled substance first degree-methamphetamine, second or subsequent offense; possession of a controlled substance second degree, second or subsequent offense; possession of drug paraphernalia, second of subsequent offense; and two counts of persistent felony offender second degree.
Larry A. Bowshier, Jr. 32, was indicted for DUI first offense, aggravated circumstances; three counts of wanton endangerment first degree; no/expired registration plates; and no insurance.
An indictment does not determine guilt or innocence, it is only a formal charge.