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Martin T. Poole flipped on the blue lights of his coroner’s vehicle in an attempt to pull over a woman as she left a bar.
He grabbed a bullhorn, yelling through it that she was resisting arrest.
But Poole wasn’t an officer — an admission he made Wednesday before Muscogee County Superior Court Judge Gil McBride. For impersonating one, and for
making terroristic threats, he was sentenced to five years on probation.
A count of violation of oath by public officer was dropped, because Poole hadn’t taken any oath. He worked for the Muscogee County Coroner’s Office as a
driver at the time.
On March 29 of last year, the victim and a friend had just left Bobby’s Bar on Morris Road when Poole drove up behind them.
“This defendant approached them, cursing and hollering,” said Assistant District Attorney Wesley Lambertus. “This defendant threatened this victim
numerous times beforehand.”
Poole’s victim said similar behavior had been happening for two years. She alleged he was stalking her Christmas week, and that it has caused her
anxiety and depression.
“I feel no mercy for him at all,” she said. “He’s going to snap. I fear for my life, and it’s coming — it’s coming.”
Frank Martin, Poole’s attorney, told the judge he didn’t want the guilty plea proceeding to turn into a domestic hearing. Martin added that his client
is on medical disability and going through a divorce.
“It was poorly handled by Mr. Poole ...” Martin said. “We’re here to enter our plea with our apologies.”
McBride told Poole he would follow the sentence recommendation reached by the prosecutor and defense attorney.
“I will tell you, what I’ve heard has concerned me,” McBride said. “The first thing I’m going to order is that you stay away from her.” |
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