Suspect in 2016 north Jackson break-in enters best interest plea
JACKSON, Tenn. — Nearly a month ago, two former high school athletes, Jacob Morford and William Underwood, were sentenced for breaking into a north Jackson home. Monday, another suspect charged with the same crime appeared in court.
Andrew Goldsmith, who had been charged with aggravated burglary and theft of property in the June 2016 home break-in, entered a best interest plea Monday morning.
“We worked out an arrangement that did not require him to admit that he had actually done anything wrong,” Goldsmith’s attorney, Mark Donahoe, said.
Donahoe says if needed they were prepared to go forward with a trial. “The plea agreement made by the state and the offer made by the state was of such a nature that he didn’t want to take a chance with a jury trial, and we wanted to go ahead and make this agreement now.”
By Judge Roy Morgan accepting the plea, Goldsmith will avoid jail time, but he still faces other penalties. Goldsmith will have to undergo random alcohol and drug tests, complete 80 hours of community service, pay court costs and restitution to the victims.
“The state has agreed you remain out of jail,” Judge Morgan said. “In addition, upon your future good behavior, you’ll be placed on state probation. It will be intensive probation, so you’ll have special rules imposed upon you.”
As part of the plea agreement, Goldsmith will participate in judicial diversion.
“He’ll continue to go to college, he’ll continue to attend class, continue to pass his classes and get his degree, and it’s in everybody’s best interest for him to do that,” Donahoe said.
After speaking with the athletic director and coach of the Tennessee Tech football team, Donahoe said they came to an agreement regarding Goldsmith’s suspension.
“It is our understanding that based on the entry of the agreement today that they will lift his suspension,” Donahoe said.
The judge also granted him permission to travel with the football team out of state without having to return to court.
