Darryl Hibdon
James Tinker
James Donald Young
Three men involved in a high-stake poker game April 12 in which a man was shot after police raided the game pleaded guilty on Monday afternoon.
Darryl Hibdon, 57; James Donald Young, 56, and James Tinker, 75, appeared before General Sessions Court Judge Christie Sell. They pleaded guilty to gambling and possession of a gambling device.
They were placed on diversion for six months. If they get into no further trouble, the cases can be expunged.
Each is to pay a $150 fine and forfeit anything that was taken from them during the raid.
A number of others caught in the sting passed their cases until later. In court Monday but passing their cases to July 9 were Kenneth Burton, Ramon Grant, Ralph Kennedy, Terry Hartman, Dale Roesel, Jr., Kevin England and William Ray Johnson.
Set for July 31 are the cases of Raymond Crawford, Dr. Neil Spitalny and Alexis Tarumianz.
One man at the event who tried to flee out the back door drew on officers. An officer fired and hit Clifford Jamar Billups, 32, in the side. He was treated and released.
Billups, who has a lengthy criminal record, was charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon, felony reckless endangerment and illegal gambling. He is due to appear in General Sessions Court on June 19 along with Kenny Higdon, owner of the office were the game was being played, and John Cagle, who is charged with aggravated gambling promotion, possession of a gambling device and possession of a controlled substance, and William Jeffery Evans, who is charged with aggravated gambling promotion and possession of a controlled substance.
Police seized $26,393 in cash, 34 pills (unknown), 3.3 grams of marijuana, miscellaneous gambling paraphernalia, an HP laptop computer and three vehicles.
Those involved in the game at an office complex at 1618 East Brainerd Road were rounded up and taken to the Police Services Center for questioning.
Prosecutor Neal Pinkston is handling the cases for the state.