Court accepts multiple negotiated pleas: MARTA ban, suspended fines and treatment conditions among outcomes

Judge Tammy Long Hayward accepted several negotiated pleas during the July 7 jail calendar, imposing a mix of custodial time, suspended fines and conditions that include no-contact and location bans.

Quentin O'Brien Bandy pled no contest to criminal trespass after an incident at an airport MARTA station on June 11, 2026, where officers said he refused to pay a fare and became belligerent. The court accepted the plea and sentenced Bandy to 12 months with 15 days to serve (credit for time served), suspended the balance conditioned on no return to the airport MARTA station, and imposed a 60-day ban on using MARTA facilities beginning July 11, 2026. The judge summarized the sentence: "I'll sentence you to account 2 to 12 months to serve 15 days ... The balance will be suspended as long as you do not return to the MARTA station at the airport." (Judge Tammy Long Hayward).

In another case, Warri Guariones Gonzales pled guilty to two counts arising from a moped stop on June 12, 2026. The factual account described the defendant fleeing on foot and officers using a Taser to detain him. The court accepted the plea, ordered suspended fines ($500 on one count; $300 on another) with credit for time served, and admonished Gonzales for escalating a routine traffic stop: "I'm concerned that you turned what could have been a couple of tickets into a full blown taser ring and arrest," the judge said.

Christopher DeMark Arnold pled guilty to family-violence battery. The state recommended a blended disposition (12 months with 15 days to serve, balance probated, family violence intervention, fines and no contact with the victim). Defense counsel noted Arnold has a schizophrenia diagnosis; the court agreed the probation condition should emphasize documented mental-health treatment and medication management. The judge told the defendant she preferred "proof of compliance with mental health treatment, therapy, and medical management" instead of only the standard intervention program, and required monthly proof to probation.

Lark Allen Thomas pled guilty to driving on a suspended or revoked license and received 12 months with 30 days to serve; the court suspended a $1,500 fine. The judge warned that repeat offenses within five years could elevate such cases to felony habitual-violator status.

Deandra Wilkes pled no contest to criminal trespass (a separate obstruction charge was dismissed). Wilkes described recent homelessness and efforts to reunite with her children. The court accepted the plea with credit for time served and suspended the balance on condition she avoid two specified Jonesboro addresses for 12 months; the judge also urged her to seek shelter and other social services before release.

Elizabeth Mascoter pled nolo contendere to criminal trespass for sleeping at a Jonesborough residence; the court accepted a negotiated disposition of 12 months with 30 days to serve, credit for time served, suspended balance, and ordered no contact with the victim, Selah Padilla, and a ban from returning to 135 North Avenue in Jonesborough.

What this means: The cases show the court routinely accepts negotiated pleas in lower-level criminal matters and commonly attaches suspended fines, location bans or probation with specific compliance requirements (including treatment and reporting). Several defendants were urged to use available social-service resources; some matters were reset for further colloquy where counsel requested additional time.

The court concluded the session after completing the announced calendar; defendants subject to custody orders were returned to sheriff's custody, and probation and clerk offices were instructed to record the conditions.