Press Release
The Office of State Attorney Glenn Hess announces that on Tuesday, May 29, 2018, a Washington County jury convicted Joseph McLeroy of Fleeing or Attempting to Elude Law Enforcement, Child Abuse, and Driving on a Suspended License. McLeroy, whose license was suspended at the time, led officers on a chase through the City of Chipley. During the chase McLeroy failed to obey traffic signs and nearly avoided at least one accident. Once McLeroy’s vehicle was stopped, a 19-month old child was found in the front passenger seat of the vehicle. The child was not restrained in a car seat. According to McLeroy’s testimony, he had picked the child up in Panama City, FL and was transporting the child home to a local residence. Circuit Judge Timothy Register scheduled sentencing for June 14, 2018. The case was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Shalla Jefcoat.
For additional information, contact Chief Assistant State Attorney Larry Basford.