In the case of Jessica McCoy, the former Richlands Elementary teacher who recently pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of cruelty / injury of a child, the Tazewell County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office did not handle the case due to a possible conflict of interest.
The case was assigned to Russell County’s prosecutor, Zach Stoots, who did not make a deal with the defendant or her attorney.
According to Tazewell County Commonwealth’s Attorney Chris Plaster, Stoots argued the sentencing but, ultimately, the sentence was the judge’s decision.
McCoy was sentenced to two years for the crime, but the sentence was suspended and she will serve a year’s probation and pay court costs.
