A Lincoln County resident, facing a total of four felonies and two misdemeanors in two separate cases who has been ordered to stand trial, has announced he’s ready for trial.
Brandon Matthew Tarpenning, 40, who deputies say resides in the Harrah area, was first charged in Lincoln County District Court on Dec. 30, 2022 with child neglect. Later, another charge of child neglect and one for child abuse were filed.
On January 9, 2023, in a separate case, Tarpenning was charged in Lincoln County District Court with felon in possession of a firearm, a felony, and misdemeanors including possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.
During his arraignment before District Judge Traci Soderstrom, Tarpenning entered not guilty pleas. He was ordered to stand trial at 9 a.m. on June 5.
On June 2, appearing with his attorney, he said he was ready for trial. Judge Soderstrom announced he would be the fourth up during the current jury term that began on Monday of last week.
The child neglect charge accuses Tarpenning on Dec. 26, 2022 in Lincoln County of failing or omitting to provide adequate clothing, and or shelter and or supervision to protect a child under 18 whose health, safety or welfare he was responsible, from harm or threatened harm by not allowing his son, who was 10 years old, inside the residence, forcing him to stay outside, unattended and while dressed insufficiently for the freezing temperature.
Tarpenning is accused in the felon in possession of a firearm count on Jan. 3, 2023 in Lincoln County, of having in his residence a firearm after he had been convicted March 1, 2012 in Kay County District Court of possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony.
The possession of CDS count alleges on Jan. 3 this year of possessing a quantity of methamphetamine, classified as a CDS.
The unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia accuses him of having a glass smoking device.
Supplemental information filed by the district attorney shows four other prior felony convictions in addition to the one stated in the felony firearm count filed against Tarpenning.
They include convictions, all in Kay County District Court, on March 1, 2012, of acquiring proceeds from drug activity; On March 1, 2012, unlawful possession of CD with intent to distribute; on July 16, 2013, unlawful possession of CD with intent to distribute; and on July 16, 2013, distribution of CDS.
The 10-year-old had been found near the intersection of Britton Road and Harrah Road on a night with sub-freezing temperatures.