Middlesboro man sentenced after pleading guilty in 2020 shooting case

Middlesboro News

A Middlesboro man has been sentenced to a total of four years in prison after pleading guilty to charges stemming from a 2020 shooting in the city.

Back in June of 2020, 22-year-old Tommy “Trey” Ellison of Middlesboro was involved in a shooting at Rennie Gayle Homes resulting in one individual being shot in the leg and creating a serious hazard for individuals living in the apartment complex.

Ellison could not be located by police after the incident, but a warrant for his arrest was issued. Roughly 18 months later on Monday, January 17, 2022, Middlesboro Police apprehended Ellison after he was seen by Narcotics Investigator Ryan Collins parked in front of the residence of his mother.

He was then followed by other officers and a traffic stop was initiated leading to his arrest. At the time he was charged with attempted murder, 14 counts of wanton endangerment – 1st degree, and another felony arrest warrant.

WRIL reports that on Friday, June 21, Ellison appeared in court and withdrew his not guilty plea. He pleaded guilty to an amended charge of assault under extreme emotional distress along with the wanton endangerment charges.

He was sentenced to three years to be served concurrently for each of those charges.

Additionally, Ellison was sentenced to an additional year on a separate charge of possession of a controlled substance – 1st degree (Methamphetamine). While probation was considered, the court decided that “imprisonment is necessary for protection of the public because there is substantial risk (Ellison) will commit another crime.”