Rickie Lee Scruton, age 44, plead guilty in the Calhoun County Circuit Court on Tuesday, March 7th, 2023 before Judge Anita Ashley. In his final statement before sentencing Scruton informed Judge Ashley, through his Attorney David Richardson, that he admitted to inappropriately touching his daughter, but did not admit some of the allegations that were made. Richardson attempted to argue for an alternative sentence of home confinement stating that Scruton had an excellent work history, had taken care of his family, no prior violence or criminal acts, and according to his psychological report was a low risk for recidivism.
Prosecuting Attorney Nigel Jeffries however deemed that probation would be inappropriate because of the crimes he’s been convicted of. Jeffries requested a sentence of incarceration for Scruton and for his sentences to run together with probation to follow. There is currently fugitive warrants out of New York that Scruton will face when in run together and probation. There is fugitive warrants out of the State of New York awaiting Scruton when his charges are finished for Calhoun.
After having the opportunity to review the case facts, Judge Ashley rejected the defendants request saying that she believed it was a “superficial confession.” To the Charges of Incest and Sexual Abuse by a Parent, guardian, custodian, person of trust Scruton was sentenced to 1-5 in the Penitentiary on each count, further requiring him to register as a sex offender for life and post incarceration probation for 50 years.
