Judge Tammy Long Hayward accepted multiple negotiated pleas and imposed sentences and special conditions during the Sept. 15 calendar call in Clayton County State Court.

On case 2024CR02716, the court accepted a First Offender guilty plea by Dakota (Jekola) Comer to an amended charge of disorderly conduct, reduced from simple assault. The court ordered 12 months suspended with 2 days to serve (credit for time served), a $300 fine suspended while other conditions are met, 20 hours of community service, anger‑management counseling and no contact with the victim, Savion Miller. Probation intake was arranged with the court’s probation specialist for supervision and to arrange community service and classes.

Latasha Moncia Kendrick pleaded guilty to count 1 (battery, family violence). The court sentenced Kendrick to 12 months probation, ordered a $300 fine (total with statutory surcharges noted by the court), enrollment in a family violence intervention program (credit given for completed courses as applicable) and no violent or harassing contact with the identified victim. The judge emphasized random alcohol and drug screening during probation and put Kendrick in contact with probation intake for enrollment and reporting instructions.

Melinda Danielle Johnson pleaded guilty to driving under the influence (DUI) per the negotiated plea; the court merged a second DUI charge and accepted credit for 95 days of custody and for an in‑patient rehabilitation period documented in court. The sentence was 12 months with five days to serve (credit applied), the balance probated with 40 hours of community service, risk‑reduction programming, a substance abuse evaluation and random testing; the judge instructed probation to credit time already served in treatment when paperwork is provided.

Jacoia (Jekola) Lettsome pleaded no contest/guilty under a negotiated offer to a DUI count; the court imposed 12 months with credit for time served (the judge cited a 3‑day credit), 240 hours of community service, a DUI risk‑reduction course, substance‑abuse evaluation and a $600 base fine (with statutory enhancements discussed) and no alcohol or illicit drugs while on probation. Court and defense counsel discussed the defendant’s representation of having spent time in custody and medical limitations that affected field testing.

Judge Hayward repeatedly instructed defendants that probation reporting and compliance with special conditions are critical: failure to report may result in revocation or incarceration and could affect a defendant’s First Offender status or plea benefits.

The court also appointed counsel for at least one defendant found without representation in court (see actions).