KENNETT, MO - After a week at trial, a plea deal was reached in the case of Heather Ellis. She's the woman who was charged with assaulting two police officers after a fight that started in the checkout line at a Kennett, MO, Walmart.
Around 6:30 Friday night, the judge announced a plea deal was made. Heather Ellis pleaded guilty to the two lesser counts of resisting arrest and peace disturbance. The two charges of assault on a police officer were dismissed.
The jury deliberated for about 2 and a half hours at the Dunklin County Courthouse. When court was called back into session, jurors learned their verdict was not needed.
Heather Ellis could've faced 15 years in prison for the four charges she faced. Instead she'll get 4 days in jail, plus probation.
Prosecutor Morley Swingle said the punishment fit the crime. He also pointed out that she had no prior record.
"Nobody wanted to see her go to prison," Swingle said. "Nobody wanted to see her spend a long time in jail. A message does need to be sent that if you are being arrested, you cannot resist it, or something will happen. There will be consequences."
Swindle said he put the same deal on the table 10 days ago. All these hours of arguments and testimony could've been avoided. Defense Attorney Scott Rosenblum said it was necessary to go to trial.
"Nobody would've been exposed or cross-examined," Rosenblum said. "And her story would not have been out there like it is now, so that certainly was worth it."
Heather Ellis said she held out on signing a plea deal because she wanted to get the truth out there.
"We found out from the person that I didn't break in line, that she actually broke in front of us," Ellis said. "We also found out that I was shoved first by Teresa Kinder. We also found out that I didn't yell or curse."
Heather's father, Nathaniel Ellis says he isn't happy with the outcome.
"Certainly not," he said. "But my daughter had to do what she had to do because when you're pushed in a corner, you have to do what you have to do."
A deal may have been made, but groups who've screamed racism from the beginning say their fight isn't finished.
Southern Christian Leadership Conference's Memphis Branch President Dwight Montgomery said they'd continue to expose issues of racism in Kennett.
"There is corruption in the police department," Montgomery said. "There is corruption with the prosecutor, and we are going to continue to expose these issues."
Ellis' probation will last for one year. She can serve her four days in jail at a time of her choosing. She will also have to pay court costs and take two hours of anger management courses.
If Ellis stays out of trouble for the year of probation, the charges will be sealed and the arrest won't be on her record.
