A Lincoln County resident has waived his right to a jury trial and entered a blind plea of guilty on the day his trial was starting.
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.
With Associate District Judge Sheila Kirk presiding, Tarpenning entered the guilty plea on Oct. 18. The judge received the plea and found him guilty.
A pre-sentence investigation was requested by the defendant and ordered by the judge. The sentencing date has been put off.
Prosecuting attorneys were Assistant District Attorneys Rachel Thompson and Adam Kallsnick. The defense attorneys were William Pierce and Kim Miller.
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.
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.
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.
Lincoln County Sheriff Deputies Steven Hinkle, Shawn Stewart, Kevin Roe, Sheriff’s Detective George Kelly Coleman and Deputy Christopher Hyde, along with Harrah Police Officer Brandon Hopkins were all involved in the child neglect investigation.
The 10-year-old had been found near the intersection of Britton Road and Harrah Road during the night with subfreezing temperatures outside, according to a probable cause affidavit.