State of Tennessee v. Archie Elliott, also known as Archie Elliott III

The defendant, Archie Elliott, also known as Archie Elliott, III, was indicted for two counts of aggravated cruelty to animals while he was employed by the Memphis Animal Shelter. He entered open pleas of guilty to these offenses and was sentenced, in each count, to two years confinement, with the sentences to be served concurrently. On appeal, he asserts that the trial court erred in both the length and manner of service of the sentences, which were to be served, as a Range I, standard offender, at 30%; that the court showed bias in statements regarding the court’s feelings regarding animals; and that the court erred in weighing the impact of letters opposing alternative sentencing. Following our review, we affirm the judgments of the trial court.