A Lincoln County jury has convicted the step-mother of child neglect in the near starvation death of her step-son 3 ½ years ago.
The jury deliberated less than two hours before returning with a guilty verdict against Amy Adkins Jones. Jury members fixed punishment at eight years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
District Judge Cindy Ashwood, who presided over the case, set sentencing for 9:30 a.m. on Nov. 30. She ordered a pre sentencing investigation with the report due by Nov. 23.
The judge remanded Jones to the Lincoln County Sheriff. The jury trial lasted four days. On the
The jury trial lasted four days. On the final day, the jury began its deliberations about 2:46 p.m. Jury members returned with the verdict at 4:32 p.m.
District Attorney Allan Grubb commented afterwards, “I want to thank the jury for their service and time listening and deciding this case with some very emotionally tough facts. We have felt all along that punishment for this crime should be in prison and the jury agreed with my office. I hope the victim finds some peace.”
Assistant DA Jeff Mixon prosecuted the case. Defense attorneys were Barney Barnett and James Hodgens.
She was originally charged with enabling child abuse by injury and child neglect. Those charges were filed July 23, 2018 in Lincoln County District Court.
Later, the enabling child abuse counts was dropped.
The child neglect charge she was convicted of accused her between Jan. 1, 2017 and July 12, 2018, acting conjointly with Jimmy Lee Jones, Sr., Tyler Joe Adkins and Jonathan Luke Plank in neglect of J.L.J.J., 15 years old at the time by failing to provide adequate nurturance, food, shelter, sanitation, hygiene, appropriate education, medical or dental care for the child.
The charge against Plank was later dismissed.
Jimmy Lee Jones, Sr., was convicted in June of child neglect and is currently serving a six-year sentence in state prison.
Adkins is still awaiting trial on the child neglect charge.