Judge denies Sullivan’s transfer to another jail
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Braddie Eric Sullivan, 35, said he has good reason to suspect his privacy is being infringed since a deputy overheard his alleged confession to his attorney last year and then testified to the overheard conversation during his preliminary hearing.
Sullivan is charged with first-degree murder for the May 2000 beating death of Louis Johnson, 63. Lawmen believe Sullivan beat Johnson to death with a tire tool outside the victim’s Old Smithville Road trailer during a robbery. Margie Farley, 29, an acquaintance of the victim, is CO-indicted for the murder.
Sullivan allegedly confessed to beating Johnson, during an interview with his former attorney, Bart Stanley, at Warren County Jail last year. The confession was overheard by a deputy who testified to hearing the conversation during Sullivan’s subsequent preliminary hearing.
While the overheard confession will not be admissible during trial, Sullivan maintains he has no assurance his future consultations with attorneys will not also be overheard.
“We are unable to meet and consult with Mr. Sullivan in private in order to maintain the attorney-client privilege,” wrote Sullivan attorney Lisa Zavogiannis. “The defendant’s confidentiality has been breached previously when his conversation with his attorney was overheard by deputies in an adjacent room.”
Zavogiannis said Sullivan has refused to consult with her due to the lack of privacy. For this reason, Sullivan asked to be moved to another facility to await trial.
Prior to last month, Sullivan had been held in Nashville at a state facility. He was held there due to questions regarding his mental stability. However, last month, his attending physician pronounced him mentally fit to return to a regular facility. Sullivan was then returned to Warren County Jail.
After hearing the defense’s argument this week, Circuit Court Judge Charles Haston directed Sullivan to remain at the local facility until trial, noting Sullivan deserved no better treatment than any of the other prisoners being held at the local jail.
While Sullivan remains stuck at the local jail, his co-defendant was recently moved from the local jail after she was found to be an agitating influence. Farley reportedly attacked guards with a pencil earlier this year and is charged with assault for the incident in addition to her murder and robbery charges. The couple is set to stand trial this summer for the Johnson murder.