Second defendant in rental cabin slaying case takes plea

LOGAN — On a dreary Monday morning, Sabra Flagg pled guilty to obstructing justice, a fifth-degree felony, in connection with the case that resulted in the murder conviction of Isaac Pence last month.

There was no joint recommendation between the defense and prosecution on sentencing. The former sought to expedite the sentencing Monday, while the latter argued for a pre-sentence investigation.

The maximum sentence allowable for a fifth-degree felony is a 12-month prison sentence and a $2,500 fine.

Flagg’s attorney, Niles Moore, emphasized that Flagg had been a “model citizen” since she was released on bail last November, after 197 days’ incarceration. It had been a “taxing” and “tumultuous situation” for the 23-year-old, full-time employed mother of two, he went on.

Moore also noted that Flagg had no prior criminal record or run-ins with the law.

Flagg’s guilty plea came over 17 months since she was originally indicted for giving contradictory statements to police in the wake of the fatal stabbing of Charlie Starner by her boyfriend at the time, Pence.

Court of Common Pleas Judge Jason Despetorich acknowledged in court that Flagg was “not similarly situated” to Pence; he went on to remark on an earlier suppression hearing, calling the facts presented at that hearing to prove her obstruction “substantial” but “not too egregious.”

Despetorich ultimately moved to sentence Flagg on Monday, per the defense’s request. She was given a six-month prison sentence, already fulfilled by her time spent in jail last year, and a $1,000 fine, payable at $50 monthly given her indigence.

Email at rmorris@logandaily.com