Published: November 04, 2009 09:37 am      

Ex-shelter president pleads guilty

Dec. 7 sentencing set for forgery charge

By Becky Manley / Staff Writer

The former Knox-Whitley Animal Shelter president and her husband pleaded guilty to forgery and theft charges in Whitley Circuit Court Tuesday.

The couple accepted plea agreements prior to their scheduled trial.

Debra Wright, 48, of London, pleaded guilty to forgery, a felony, with a recommended sentence of four years probation.

Debra Wright, who may also have to pay restitution, will be sentenced Dec. 7.

If Circuit Court Judge Daniel Ballou accepts the plea agreement, charges of theft and evidence tampering against Debra Wright will be dismissed.

After Debra Wright pleaded guilty Ballou began to ask her husband, Frank Wright, 59, standard questions asked of anyone about to plead guilty as part of a plea agreement.

When Ballou asked Frank Wright if he believed he had received adequate representation from his attorney, David Hoskins, Wright said he was not happy with the counsel he had received.

Asked to explain why he wasn’t satisfied with his attorney, Frank Wright told Ballou he respects the court and Ballou.

“I’ve known your father for 30 years,” Frank Wright said.

After more discussion concerning Debra Wright and the bank records that will need to be reviewed to determine whether a hearing is needed about the restitution she may have to pay, Ballou continued questioning Frank Wright about the counsel he had received.

“My wife and I are innocent of these charges,” Frank Wright said.

After further discussion, Frank Wright said he disagreed with the charges against his wife, referring to their long-time marriage, saying “I know what she’s done.”

Frank Wright then clarified he had no complaints about his attorney, Hoskins.

Saying he and his wife had lost their careers, Frank Wright talked about the limited income they have had since the charges were filed.

“I can’t keep doing this,” Frank Wright said. “I deliver newspapers for a living.”

Debra Wright then told Ballou the plea agreements she and her husband were accepting were presented to them that morning, not allowing them enough time to consider them.

“So it’s a little tricky when you’re making quick snap decisions,” Debra Wright said.

Frank Wright then pleaded guilty to criminal facilitation to forgery, a misdemeanor. He was sentenced Tuesday to two years probation.