Jeremy L. Tucker has been appointed a new defense attorney as he continues his efforts to withdraw his guilty plea in connection to the death of 15-year-old RE Carter. Tucker, 49, of Fairfield, is currently serving a 14-year prison sentence for a June 5th, 2023, crash caused by driving under the influence of methamphetamine.
Appearing via Zoom from Centralia Correctional Center, Tucker participated in a Wayne County Circuit Court hearing on Tuesday regarding his ongoing attempt to vacate his sentence. During the session, Judge Denton Aud removed Jon Meador of Salem as Tucker’s defense attorney and appointed Roger White of Mount Vernon in his place. A status hearing has been scheduled for May 6th.
Tucker claims he received ineffective legal counsel leading up to his guilty plea. Less than two months after his sentencing in October 2023, he filed a motion to withdraw his plea and seek a reduced sentence. His new attorney now holds a 114-page transcript of the sentencing proceedings.
Tucker has an extensive criminal history. In addition to his current 14-year sentence, he previously served:
10 years in prison for a 2015 meth manufacturing conviction
6 years in 2009 for meth manufacturing
5 years in 2004 for attempted meth manufacturing
Another 5 years in 2004 for possession of meth manufacturing chemicals
120 days in Wayne County Jail in 2001 for theft
He also has multiple traffic offenses in Wayne and White Counties.
Under current sentencing laws, Tucker must serve at least 85% of his 14-year sentence, making him ineligible for parole until June 18, 2035. Initially housed at Graham Correctional Center in Hillsboro, he was recently transferred to Centralia Correctional Center in Marion County.
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