Both suspects in a case allegedly involving stolen guns, a stolen vehicle and illegal drugs have now accepted plea agreements in the case.
Hartford resident Wyatt Everly pleaded no contest Thursday to possession of stolen property and possession of heroin with intent to distribute despite expressing issues with the legal advice he received from Ty Wheeler of Kansas Legal Services, saying they met only a handful of times and did not go into the case in depth.
Two other cases against Everly were dismissed.
Emporian Mariel Ascencio pleaded Tuesday to felon in possession of a firearm and possession of heroin.
Sentencing for Everly is Oct. 19. Sentencing for Ascencio is Oct. 29.
10:30 am Wednesday: Emporia woman accepts plea, Hartford man nearing trial in case involving drugs, stolen guns and stolen vehicle
An Emporia suspect in a case allegedly involving stolen guns, a stolen vehicle and illegal drugs has accepted a plea agreement, while a Hartford man is moving towards trial in the case, based on the results of hearings late Wednesday afternoon.
Mariel Ascencio, first listed as Mariel Martin when charges were formally announced in December, pleaded Tuesday to heroin possession and felon in possession of a firearm. Ascencio was first charged with nine counts, including possession of stolen property; theft of a firearm; felon in possession of a firearm; heroin distribution; cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine and paraphernalia possession and paraphernalia use.
Meanwhile, Wyatt Everly has a trio of hearings slated for 4 pm. Everly is charged with stolen property; theft of a firearm; meth and paraphernalia possession; and paraphernalia use, heroin distribution and illegal use of communication facility charges as part of a separate case.
The case involving both defendants made headlines after they were arrested at Emporia’s Budget Host Inn, 1830 East Highway 50, after a stolen vehicle was discovered at the motel, according to Emporia Police. Court documents provided to KVOE News indicate both Ascencio and Everly had several guns either in their hotel room or in storage facilities when they were arrested, as well as ammunition, firearm accessories, a machete, three small bags of heroin, and a wide range of drug paraphernalia. Numerous driver’s licenses were also discovered along with several birth certificates, Social Security cards and vehicle titles.
The car found Sunday at the hotel was allegedly stolen from a rental car company in Wichita. The guns were allegedly stolen from Otoe County, Nebraska.
Ascencio is set for sentencing Oct. 29. Trial for Everly could begin as soon as Monday.
