By CHRIS MORRIS
Former New Albany mayoral candidate Yvonne Kersey avoided jail time Thursday after pleading guilty to maintaining a common nuisance, a class D felony, but had three other charges against her, possession of marijuana, dealing marijuana and possession of paraphernalia, dropped.
Kersey received an 18-month sentence, all suspended. She must also pay court fees and perform 100 hours of community service, according to papers filed in Floyd County Circuit Court.
Kersey, 55, ran for mayor in 1999 and 2003 losing both times in the Democratic primary.
In February of 2008, Kersey, and her husband Frank Lucchese, were arrested after New Albany Police Department officers were invited into the home, in the 600 block of E. Main Street, by Kersey to investigate an alleged computer crime. The officers smelled burnt marijuana and asked to search the house. Officers located more than 20 pounds of processed marijuana along with growing marijuana plants.
In October, Lucchese, 61, was sentenced to 18 months at the Indiana Department of Correction, six months of home incarceration and two years of probation for growing marijuana after entering a blind plea to class C felony dealing marijuana.
