Judge rejects plea deal for Jackson man charged in business break-ins

JACKSON, Tenn. — A judge rejected a plea deal Monday for a man accused of breaking into several Jackson businesses.

“I’m not willing to accept the plea under those circumstances,” Circuit Court Judge Don Allen said.

Andrew Kim tried to plead guilty to eight counts, including burglary, theft and vandalism. The plea agreement would have dismissed six of his original 14 charges. Judge Allen would not agree to it. “I just don’t think it’s appropriate to dismiss all those theft charges,” he said.

Attorney Mark Donahoe represents Kim. “We didn’t expect the court to take that position,” he said.

Kim is accused of breaking into and stealing from multiple Jackson businesses this year including Outdoors Inc., Office Max, Best Buy and Coffman’s Home Furnishings.

Donahoe said he plans to talk with prosecutors and his client. “We need to at this point take a look at what our options are, what’s available, what we can do,” he said.

Donahoe said going to trial is still an option. “[It’s] something that we’re ready for if necessary,” he said.

The judge gave prosecutors and the defense another week to make a decision. “My client needs to be informed,” Donahoe said. “It’s his decision in the end as to what the decision is and what he’s going to do.”

Kim is set to return to court at 11 a.m. on Nov. 7.

Judge Allen said Kim could face jail time and a fine for these offenses plus court costs and may have to pay restitution.