The 27-year-old Hutchinson man who was at one time on the run from law enforcement, then entered pleas to all of his cases cases still hasn’t been sentenced. It was scheduled last Friday, but continued when the defense indicated they want another mental evaluation for Timothy Mendenhall.
The question before the court now is whether he would be better suited to serve any sentence in prison or at a state mental facility such as Larned.
Judge Trish Rose has scheduled a status hearing on the issues for this Friday and we may get a better feel of where these cases are headed then.
Mendenhall entered either “guilty” or “no contest” pleas to virtually every charge in every case and is looking at a substantial amount of time in prison.
In one of the cases, he’s charged with 18-felony counts including sexual exploitation of a child, as well as numerous drug charges including being in possession of potpourri. That case was pending a jury trial. This is the case where they raided his smoke shop at 1108 West 4th, back on November 17, 2011.
In another case, he was facing charges of interference with law enforcement. He had just been arrested back on November 7, when officers spotted him at a home in the 900 block of East 10th. They attempted to apprehend him for warrants through Municipal Court and he attempted to escape them on a motorcycle apparently trying to go through a gate. But, Detective Jeremy Hedges was on the other side and he nearly ran him over. He was captured and taken to jail but again managed to make bond.
Another case has charges of possession of methamphetamine, hydrocodone, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, felony interference with law enforcement and carrying a concealed weapon, in this case a fixed blade knife.
Other charges included felony flee and elude, and driving while suspended. The alleged crimes occurring back on February 8, of last year in South Hutchinson.
The two sides will be able to argue disposition in the case, something the defendant wants the right to do, that’s why he didn’t enter into a plea agreement with the state. However, the state may seek the maximum and consecutive sentences.
Again, a status hearing on the cases are scheduled for Friday.