Charged with theft by deception, a Marshall County woman entered an “Alford” plea in Trigg County District Court Friday afternoon — bringing an end to what’s been a long litigating process involving a Cadiz family.
In a settlement between Public Defender John Johnson, Special Prosecutor and Muhlenberg County Attorney Ryan Rice, and Christian County District Court Judge Lindsey Adams, Angela Hale, of Hardin, was sentenced to 12 months in jail to be probated for two years, more than $560 in fines and court costs, and $700 in restitution to be paid directly to Francine Stubbs.
Adams told Hale to pay the $700 owed Stubbs by September 8, while the payment of court costs and fines could be discussed in another hearing set for October 6. Hale told Adams she had four children and was about to move out of her home, and that these costs were “huge.”
Up until Friday, Hale had been insistent she go to trial with Stubbs, but ultimately relented after months of delay.
According to an April 29, 2022, investigation from State Police Lt. Dean Patterson, Hale unlawfully committed the offense of theft by deception by obtaining property of another by deception with intent to deprive the person thereof, when she intentionally created a false impression.
Namely, Hale contacted Stubbs, indicating she was pregnant, and demanded $700 for an abortion.
Hale accepted $700 from Stubbs, and it was later discovered that the defendant was, in fact, not pregnant, and had provided false documents in an effort to deceive Stubbs.
In a lengthy interview with Your News Edge, Stubbs said she was “the victim of extortion,” and that the last few drawn-out months had been agonizing for her and her family support.
Stubbs said this all began when Hale contacted her youngest son through social media, sending word of “a situation” that needed to be discussed. Stubbs returned the call, with Hale claiming she was pregnant.
Stubbs asked for proof.
click to download audioFurthermore, Stubbs said Hale sent her a picture of two positive pregnancy tests, but those tests were on Hale’s Facebook page from 2020 — two years prior this extortion.
However, Stubbs said she didn’t find this out until much later, and that Hale originally asked for $700, plus an additional $1,000, to which Stubbs said she couldn’t afford. Also, according to Stubbs, Hale told her she had a Planned Parenthood appointment scheduled.
click to download audioStubbs said once all evidence seemed clear, she and her youngest son reported this to Kentucky State Police.
click to download audioStubbs iterated that “good people like her” and many others could be extorted at any time, and one should do their research before gifting money or other items.
click to download audioIn a June 2022 Facebook post, Hale revealed — among several other personal effects — a screenshot of a letter sent from Trigg County Attorney Randy Braboy, dated June 14, 2022, and addressed to her. It follows up on an alleged phone conversation between the parties, indicating she immediately stop all direct and indirect communication with Stubbs’ son, Trigg County Sheriff Aaron Acree.
The letter further ascertains that attempts to communicate with Sheriff Acree, his wife, his brother, or other family members — including Stubbs — after notice of this request “may subject” her to other prosecutorial offenses as law permits.
After entering the Alford plea Hale told the News Edge that she would make a statement about her decision and the case, but later decided not to make any comments.
Hale has since deleted the Facebook post.
