Man pleads guilty to criminal trespass, given false information; judge imposes 180-day jail term

Judge Tammy Long Hayward accepted guilty pleas from Brian Patrick Alger on charges arising from an April incident at a Jonesboro residence and imposed a sentence that includes jail time and conditions barring contact with the victim.

The plea resolves counts charging Alger with criminal trespass and giving false information. Prosecutors described the April 14, 2025, incident at 499 Queen Elise Lane in Jonesboro, saying officers found Alger had entered the property through an open window and that, when contacted, he gave a false name. The state recommended 12 months with 180 days to serve on the trespass count and a suspended $200 fine for the false-information count.

The factual basis presented by the prosecutor said: "On 04/14/2025, officers at the Clayton County Police Department responded to 499 Queen Elise Lane in Jonesboro, Georgia, where it was determined the defendant before you, Mr. Alger, did enter the property through a window that was opened on the property. When the officer stopped and attempted to make contact with him, he gave the false name of Billy Alger." Owen Lynch, Alger’s attorney, asked the court to accept the plea. Judge Hayward announced she would accept the plea and imposed the sentence: "Count 1 to 12 months, serve 180 days. Credit for time served. Balance suspended upon do not return to the incident location, and no contact with the victim, which is Mr. William Lawler. Also, count 3 will run concurrent with count 1. It's a $200 fine suspended."

The court recorded that the obstruction charge (count 2) would not be pursued as part of the plea agreement. Alger was advised of the rights he waived by pleading guilty, including the right to a jury trial and the right to confront witnesses.

The judge concluded the hearing with personal admonitions and directed Alger to comply with the sentence and no-contact order.

No further proceedings on Alger’s case were scheduled in the transcript.