This case is one example of why open courts are important and the public being able to get information being stated on record

Preliminary hearing was continued for kidnapping and assault suspect Kevin Carns to August 27 by Judge Kaleb Cockrum on the "court's own motion." It was continued again by Judge Cockrum "on the court's motion to October 15.

Due to the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic, "the Court is severely impacted." There is no space for a time waived case. Earlier during the preliminary calendar call, Judge Cockrum had mentioned there were no available courtrooms, especially with a jury trial going on right now.

This case is one example of why open courts are important and the public being able to get information being stated on record.

Carns' attorney is Ms. Christina Allbright. Deputy District Attorney Stacey Eads is the prosecutor for the case.

Ms. Allbright spoke first. She repeated what was said at the last hearing about Ms. Eads and her being in discussions about the case. Ms. Allbright said, "I agree this needs to continue. Hopefully, we can reach a resolution." Ms. Allbright asked for a pre plea report from probation and a referral to supervised release.

"Probation will say he is ineligible due to the offenses," said Ms. Allbright,  but she wanted the report for terms and conditions.

Judge  Cockrum said, "They have already done that on February 24, 2020."

Ms. Allbright said the agreed disposition does not include probation. While Carns "employment was severed" when he was in custody, McCrea Nissan is willing to have him return, said Ms. Allbright.

"No agreement has been reached," said Ms. Eads. "Certain steps have been taken." Ms. Eads said she needs to have discussions with the alleged victim and family and have discussions about materials just provided to her by defense. "Frankly, it is premature to say there is a resolution." After discussions, Ms. Eads said she could talk with Ms. Allbright about the specifics of a resolution.

Ms. Eads cited "public safety and the victim's safety" in opposing Carn's release.

Judge Cockrum said he agreed with Ms. Eads. The issue of supervised release had been taken up previously and he was not going to change the previous ruling. "Probation needs to know what the offer is," said Judge Cockrum.

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