09-24-2010, 11:34 AM
ron was sentenced to 15 years this morning.
Ronald Cummings, 26, who pleaded guilty in August, could have faced a maximum of 90 years in prison, but reached an agreement with prosecutors that two of five charges he faced would be dropped in exchange for Cummings testifying in any future criminal trial involving the disappearance of his daughter.
At a 15-minute sentencing hearing Friday morning, the state did not call any witnesses, but Cummings' mother, Teresa Neves, did make a brief, tearful plea for mercy for her son.
"He is a good father FOR A FUCKING DRUG DEALER , he has two children," said Teresa Neves. "We might not know where one is, but he has two children."
Crystal Sheffield, Haleigh's mother, and other family members were in the courthouse parking lot after the sentence, crying. They said they were deeply disappointed at the sentence.
Judge Terry LaRue then sentenced Cummings to two 15-year and one seven-year sentence, but will allow the time to be served concurrently. LaRue also sentenced Cummings to pay the $200,000 fine plus court costs, but that could be modified later by a civil judge.
Ronald Cummings, 26, who pleaded guilty in August, could have faced a maximum of 90 years in prison, but reached an agreement with prosecutors that two of five charges he faced would be dropped in exchange for Cummings testifying in any future criminal trial involving the disappearance of his daughter.
At a 15-minute sentencing hearing Friday morning, the state did not call any witnesses, but Cummings' mother, Teresa Neves, did make a brief, tearful plea for mercy for her son.
"He is a good father FOR A FUCKING DRUG DEALER , he has two children," said Teresa Neves. "We might not know where one is, but he has two children."
Crystal Sheffield, Haleigh's mother, and other family members were in the courthouse parking lot after the sentence, crying. They said they were deeply disappointed at the sentence.
Judge Terry LaRue then sentenced Cummings to two 15-year and one seven-year sentence, but will allow the time to be served concurrently. LaRue also sentenced Cummings to pay the $200,000 fine plus court costs, but that could be modified later by a civil judge.