Probation was denied Wednesday morning in Christian Circuit Court for September Neblett, one of four suspects charged in connection with the incidents that led to the shooting of Hopkinsville Police Officer Jeremy Davidson in February of last year.
September Neblett entered a guilty plea in October to facilitation to robbery—amended down from complicity—and felony receiving property.
The Commonwealth opposed probation in a deal that came with recommended five-year sentence, but public defender Chris Woodall asked Judge John Atkins to consider September Neblett’s limited role in the chain of events.
He cited her limited criminal history and time already served as reasons to keep her out on probation.
Judge Atkins was back in the courtroom after holding court at home while recovering from COVID-19. He denied probation and sentenced Neblett to five years in prison, citing the seriousness of the incident.
The charges are connected to an alleged carjacking at the Walmart Supercenter that led to two pursuits. Officer Davidson was shot in the arm and head at the end of one of those pursuits on North Drive near Sanderson Drive and has since returned to the job following treatment of injuries.
Keith Kuzyk is indicted locally for attempted murder of a police officer, first-degree assault, fleeing or evading police, wanton endangerment, auto theft, receiving stolen property and for being a persistent felony offender. He and another co-defendant, Anthony Johnson, are also indicted in federal court.
Woodall said September Neblett was a passenger in Johnson’s vehicle during the pursuits and was not with Kuzyk.
She will be eligible to apply for shock probation in 30 days.