Man involved in motorcycle wreck sentenced to boot camp

Published 12:09 am Saturday, March 24, 2012

A Vicksburg man who pleaded guilty to causing and leaving the scene of a motorcycle wreck in which his passenger was critically injured was sentenced to a boot camp program and probation.

Harry Keonta Ramsey, 22, 117 Walton Lane, was sentenced by Judge Isadore Patrick to complete the Mississippi Department of Corrections Regimented Inmate Discipline program followed by five years of probation, a $2,000 fine, a $2,000 payment to the county’s victim’s compensation fund and $322.50 in costs.

The Regimented Inmate Discipline program is a boot camp-style program for first-time offenders sentenced by the courts, according to the department of corrections. The program lasts between 120 and 150 days, and upon successful completion, the court may suspend the remainder of an inmate’s sentence in lieu of probation.

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Ramsey made an open guilty plea — meaning no sentence had been recommended in advance by District Attorney Ricky Smith — in February for aggravated driving under the influence. He faced up to 25 years in prison.

During his plea hearing, Ramsey admitted that on May 29, 2010, he wrecked his 2009 Kawasaki sport bike at Warriors Trail and Bovina Drive.

Ramsey, who was wearing a helmet and was not injured, got up, walked away with his helmet and bike and hid them behind a nearby trailer, leaving Jackson on the ground.

About 30 minutes later, Ramsey was arrested at 6287 Warriors Trail, where a test showed his blood alcohol level was .15 percent, nearly twice the legal limit of .08 percent.

Jackson, who was not wearing a helmet and suffered head injuries, was taken to River Region Medical Center and later flown to University Medical Center in Jackson, records showed.

Ramsey was also indicted for leaving the scene of an accident, but that charge was not prosecuted.

Also in Warren County Circuit Court for the week ending Friday:

• Lorenzo Bryant, 25, 708 Lee St., pleaded guilty to third-offense domestic violence and was sentenced by Patrick to 18 months in prison followed by three years’ probation, a fine of $1,000 and $322.50 in costs. Bryant was indicted June 28.

• Tarik Hall, 18, 334 Shady Lane, pleaded guilty to burglary of a dwelling and was sentenced by Judge M. James Chaney to six years in prison followed by nine years’ probation, a fine of $1,000 and $322.50 in costs. Hall was indicted Nov. 2.