Starla Ruth Ingram Sentenced Before Judge Larry Anderson

Rickey Stokes

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Posted by: RStokes
Date: Oct 05 2018 10:41 PM

HOUSTON COUNTY:    This morning 20th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Larry Anderson handed down the partial fate to Sarah Ruth Ingram.

Ingram was arrested by Houston County Sheriff Department in 2017 for the theft of at least one million dollars. A long term employee of John Summorford and a long term friend of the family.

The statue of limitations had run on some offenses. Summerford had testified this was very devastating to him, his family, and almost cost him his business and livelihood. 

Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Stanley argued against abiding by the sentencing guidelines. Judge Anderson had to find mitigating and aggravating circumstances. Judge Anderson ruled those were found and sentenced Sarah Ruth Ingram outside the guidelines.

The thefts of property Ingram was charged with were class B felonies. In the State of Alabama class b felonies carry a sentence range over a minimum of two years with a maximum of twenty years in the Alabama State Penitentiary.

Prior to sentencing a cashier’s check in the amount of $ 100,000.00 dollars was presented to the court. Some $ 8,000.00 was seized when Ingram was arrested.

Defense Attorney John White said Ingram was not in good health and had strong family support.

Judge Larry Anderson sentenced Sarah Ruth Ingram to ten years on each of the four cases. That means a total sentence of 40 years. Judge Anderson ran the four sentences concurrent. That means the ten years are all served together at once.

Judge Anderson ordered no fine because of the large restitution, $ 50 victim’s compensation and $ 750 bail bond fee.

Judge Anderson announced 42 days from today’s sentencing to appeal.

Attorney John White applied Ingram for probation. Judge Anderson asked Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Stanley’s position on Ingram remaining free on bond pending probation determination. Stanley objected and asked Judge Anderson to place Ingram in custody immediately.

Judge Anderson denied the state’s request and allowed Ingram to remain free on bond until the probation hearing December 14 at 9 AM.

Judge Anderson issued some warnings; a lot of family and friends have pitched in to come up with the $ 100,000.00. With her in jail there is no reason for anyone to help. However Judge Anderson said just because a substantial amount was paid do not let that be a sign he would not send Ingram to prison. 

Anderson said this is not his first rodeo on this type of crime. However the other cases no restitution had ever been paid. So far in this case only ten percent restitution has been paid and he strongly suggested that was not enough. Judge Anderson said most businesses could not overcome this theft and he remembers John Summerford’s testimony that this almost cost him his business.

Anderson said he knew Ingram had no prior criminal history but when she did it, well she did it big.

Normally Anderson requires at least half restitution paid or prison you go.

So partial fate decided. Any sentence not over 15 years can be considered for probation. December 14 will be decision date.

Today’s courtroom had right and left large audience. Facing the Judge on the right the Summerfords. Facing the Judge on the left the Ingrams. Families who were once close friends now torn apart over the theft.

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