Anthony Cloud
Staff Writer
Three individuals involved in the robbery at the home of Kelsey Smith in Pineville pleaded guilty this week. Demetrice Osborne, of Evarts, and Whitney Cain, of Pineville, pleaded guilty to second-degree robbery, a Class C felony.
The commonwealth recommended six years in the penitentiary for Cain. Her final sentencing will be on Dec. 17. She will remain free on bond until her final sentencing so that she can complete her fall semester in college.
Osborne pleaded guilty to being a persistent felony offender as well. The commonwealth recommended 10 years in the penitentiary for the robbery charge and a five year enhancement because he is a persistent felony offender.
In all, the commonwealth recommended 15 years in the penitentiary for Osborne. His final sentencing is scheduled for today.
Joshua Hubbard, of Pineville, who was recognized as the driver of the getaway vehicle, pleaded guilty to first-degree criminal facilitation to robbery. The commonwealth recommended five years in the penitentiary.
If the sentence is probated, it is recommended that he be placed on supervised probation for five years.
There is a fourth person allegedly involved in the robbery at the Smith house. Whitney D. Brock allegedly came to Smith’s residence and bummed a cigarette. A short time later, three individuals came into the residence and held down Smith and Margaret Inman, assaulted them and took Smith’s purse, according to the victims. Brock has been indicted and is awaiting court appearance.
Trooper Tyson Lawson of the Kentucky State Police spotted the white car used in the robbery in the Wallsend community. He found Smith’s wallet along with money and credit cards in the vehicle, according to Lawson.
Lawson arrested Brock, Cain and Osborne at an apartment in Wallsend. After the investigation continued, it was discovered that the owner and driver of the getaway vehicle was Hubbard.
Assisting with case includes Trooper Ryan Sizemore, officer Kyle Dunn (Pineville Police Department), officer Jason Carmack (PPD) and Jarod Smith (Bell County Sheriff Department).
Anthony Cloud is a staff writer for the Middlesboro Daily News. He can be contacted via email at acloud@heartlandpublications.com or by phone at 606-248-1010, ext. 208.









