Defendant pleads no-contest in money-laundering case; court defers finding and schedules sentencing Oct. 20 with restitution nearly $297,276

Mark Lunsford entered a no-contest plea in a first-degree money-laundering case; the court accepted stipulated exhibits, deferred a finding of guilt, and set sentencing and evaluations for Oct. 20.

During the plea colloquy the court confirmed that the defendant had reviewed plea paperwork, that the state would proceed on count 1, and that restitution was listed at $297,276.34. Lunsford confirmed he understood the admonishments and the rights he waived by entering the plea. The court accepted the state's exhibits and the defendant's stipulations; the judge found sufficient evidence on the record to accept the plea and deferred adjudication pending sentencing.

The court scheduled a presentence investigation (PSI) and a TAP evaluation and set the sentencing and related evaluations for Oct. 20. The judge noted that PSIs typically take eight to 12 weeks and that the schedule would allow time to calculate restitution and prepare for sentencing. The court also acknowledged the state's sentencing recommendation and the defendant's waiver of certain appellate rights consistent with plea paperwork.

The court instructed counsel to prepare the plea paperwork and to notify the clerk when the paperwork was ready so the court could formally take the plea on the record.