Cassandra Payne pleads guilty to business burglary receives five-year probation sentence

The Dickson Criminal Docket meeting held on May 21, 2025, addressed several significant cases, including guilty pleas and sentencing outcomes for multiple defendants.

The session commenced with Cassandra Elizabeth Payne entering a guilty plea to a burglary charge related to Walmart. As part of a plea agreement, she was sentenced to five years, with 35% to be served, but the sentence will be suspended in favor of five years of probation. Additionally, she is required to pay restitution of $239.72 and is barred from returning to Walmart. Counts two and three of her indictment were dismissed as part of the agreement.

Following Payne's case, Lauren Delfino also entered a guilty plea, facing multiple charges including possession of a firearm as a felon and vandalism. Delfino received a six-year sentence for the firearm charge and an additional six years for vandalism, both to be served concurrently. She also received an eight-year sentence for possession of methamphetamine, which will run concurrently with the other sentences. Several other counts against her were dismissed as part of the plea deal.

The meeting continued with various defendants discussing their cases, including Thomas Lane, who is set for a final plea date on September 22, 2025, with a trial scheduled for January 20, 2026, if unresolved. Other defendants, including Derek Owens and Elijah Moon, were also addressed, with plans to bring them back for further proceedings.

The court emphasized the importance of legal representation, with several defendants being appointed public defenders due to their inability to hire private counsel. The meeting concluded with a focus on setting future dates for status updates and plea agreements, ensuring that all cases are managed efficiently moving forward.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the court's ongoing efforts to process cases effectively while ensuring that defendants understand their rights and the implications of their pleas.