Local man pleads not guilty to crime spree

A Mitchell man facing multiple felony charges in connection with crimes against five local establishments pleaded not guilty Tuesday.

Randy S. Wolford, 36, 401 E. Hanson Ave., entered the plea during his initial court appearance at the Davison County Public Safety Center.

Wolford was indicted on four counts each of third-degree burglary and first-degree vandalism, and one count of grand theft. Each count has a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.

The incidents occurred at the VFW Club on Nov. 20, Village Bowl on Dec. 23, Palace Motors on Dec. 30, Luxury 5 Cinemas on Jan. 1 and Big Dummy’s on Jan. 21.

He is accused of breaking into those businesses and stealing an ATM machine at the VFW; taking a small amount of money from a video lottery machine at the bowling alley; damaging computer equipment and items worth $30,000 at the car dealership; trying to break into the movie theater’s ATM machine; and breaking into several video lottery machines at the bar.

Wolford is the owner of Mitchell Painting.

Wolford’s lawyer, Dava Wantoch, asked for a bond reduction, saying Wolford has several bids he is supposed to submit.

He is being held on $25,000 bond in the Davison County Jail.

State’s Attorney Pat Smith objected to a reduction, saying he doesn’t think Wolford’s bond is enough and should be doubled.

“This is a multiple offender,” he said. “He is in danger of being a flight risk. He is a previous felon.”

O’Brien chose not to change Wolford’s bond.

Wantoch requested that O’Brien order drug, alcohol and gambling evaluations, saying her client believes his actions stem from alcohol and drugs.

O’Brien said that was premature at this time, but he might consider the request later.

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