Richmond man pleads guilty to pursuit, trafficking

A Madison County man was sentenced to seven years in prison Thursday after pleading guilty to charges from a July pursuit.

Robert Stafford, 37, was arrested by Winchester Police after being captured near the Memorial Park Apartments.

In Clark Circuit Court Thursday, Stafford admitted to running from the police, possession of illegal drugs and a handgun, though he said he did not know it was stolen at the time.

Stafford pleaded guilty to first-degree fleeing or evading police, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, tampering with physical evidence, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon and receiving stolen property (firearm).

After waiving a separate sentencing hearing, he was sentenced immediately to a total of seven years.

According to Winchester Police, officers spotted Stafford driving in Winchester and attempted to stop him for an outstanding warrant. When the officer activated his cruiser’s lights, Stafford accelerated and sped through downtown Winchester, before stopping near Patio Street and Rowland Avenue.

Stafford was arrested following a foot pursuit.

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